Hey guys!
How much stage direction do you think is reasonable? I'm just trying to figure out what would be too much...
Thanks!

It varies from playwright to playwright.

Reading Beckett, for example, you get an incredibly explicit account of action for each character that if not performed correctly, as written, ruins the play. He would even direct the directors who performed the play in his lifetime.

On the other hand, minimal direction lends itself to adaptation-- there is something beautiful about letting the words suggest the action.

So, the answer is what feels right for your piece.

I learned that you only put in direction when it's necessary, so if things won't make sense without it...but I guess it varies.

Use only what is necessary to further the play. Don't step on the toes of the AD, the LD, the set designer, or the director. I refer to this site when I need to for directions. You will find examples of character and stage directions here. This is going to be a fun month.

M

www.vcu.edu/arts/playwriting

I'm finding it necessary to use stage directions for historical details--like scenery stuff (the houses are built 3 feet or more off the ground, without doors, etc.). I figure this is as much for me as any one else at this stage of the process. So I'm more in favor of going overboard now, and taking it out later.

Is there a danger in that philosophy that I'm not considering?

I always tend to put in a good amount of stage direction, just because I feel like a script is a playwright's vision/blueprint. Besides, who said the AD, LD, etc. have to listen to the stage direction? Can they honestly not be original and deviate?

I always say that it varies from playwright to playwright, just use the amount that feels right to you.

I always tend to put in a good amount of stage direction, just because I feel like a script is a playwright's vision/blueprint. Besides, who said the AD, LD, etc. have to listen to the stage direction? Can they honestly not be original and deviate?

I always say that it varies from playwright to playwright, just use the amount that feels right to you.

I like to give a fair amount because sometimes there are just things that need to be done a certain way.

as a director with little theatre I write it all. I like to write farce so I give all the sight gags etc. I even write in the pauses. But it depends what you hope to do with the play when you are done, as to what works or not. BUT ALWAYS give enough time to get changed if your characters need to do that.

I'm of a mixed mind here. I used to write cumbersome stage direction, but I've never had anything performed (nor have I tried). I wrote what I saw the characters doing.

These days, as I return to the craft, I think that less is more. Only convey in stage directions what *cannot* be conveyed through the dialogue. Use parentheticals *sparingly* to convey line-readings.

If Betty is baking a pie, it is important to say that she's paring an apple, and describe the process in detail? Is it *essential* we know she's paring apples? Or do we only need to know that she's baking an apple pie?

If Wilma places her hand on Fred's cheek, do we need to know it's her left hand and if her fingers are positioned in a certain way?

If Pablo collects fine art, do we need to know which paintings or sculpture adorn his space?

If the goal is to write the script as an exercise and the goal is 100 pages, have at it. Write as much direction as you think is necessary. Based on advice I've seen on this site and elsewhere, if you're writing for competition trust the imagination/instincts of the reader, the director and the actors. Less is more. Otherwise, you may annoy the people reading the play.

Audiences don't see stage directions, so I'd recommend investing more of your energies into dialogue.

Just my humble opinion.

Only when necessary. Preferably none if you can help it.

If the stage direction is something the audience must see to better understand the play, the characters, the theme, then I think it's safest to allude to it in the dialogue. Stage directions can and will be ignored. If you want Character A to turn off a lamp, Character B could say, "Why did you turn off the lamp? How am I supposed to read my Us Weekly without it?"