Ok.

So a lot of my play has two scenes, set in two different places and times. . . but characters can cross between them at will, when they realize what's going on. I've just split the stage down the middle.

I'm not quite sure how to pull this off when multiple characters start talking at once. . .

I would say you could do some sort of note in the stage directions that the two scenes are going on at the same time, or put "SIMULTANEOUSLY" with the character names.

I've also seen a script that actually split the sheet vertically to show that the dialogue was actually going on at the same time....it was a very cool effect to read.

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Nicole Palmby
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http://magneticpoet.blogspot.com
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ScriptFrenzy 2008: Do You Remember?

One thing to keep in mind when writing those scenes (I have just one split-stage scene at the beginning and one at the end of my play.) You'll want to make sure that you don't distract from the main focus of the scene.

A couple of easy options: You can have one scene continue in pantomine while the other takes the focus. Or you can have one scene freeze while the other has the focus. You could concievably do a combination of these two.

If you want both scenes to progress at full volume continuously, you will need to be very careful to time out the lines so they dovetail, but not distract. This will be more difficult, but I think you can manage it.

Sounds interesting - whatever your topic. Good luck! (=

I think I've got this scene worked out. A lot of the play does this. . . it's rather surreal. One set of characters reacts, and has a few comments, while the other scene is going on. Only some of the characters can see/hear the other scene.

That seems to be working for now.

Thanks though. . . I think this particular idea is going to give me such a headache. . . but when I visualize it it just seems so cool, and really fitting. . .

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NaNo:
Chronicles of Shydia -- 06'
On the One Path -- 07' - Winner

Script Frenzy:
Stained Glass -- 08'

I'm doing the same sort of thing in my play. It's a fairy tale that involves two kingdoms, and two periods of time, and a magic spell (something like the spell in Sleeping Beauty). When things start happening in one kingdom (the young prince-hero makes a wish), it has ripple effects in the other kingdom (the enchnted queen begins to stir).

...

I understand that a polite playwright tries to keep to her place, and keep set discriptions to a minimum, so that the set designer has room to do her job... But -- I'm feeling the need to spell things out a bit, before Act I even begins, such as noting that Kingdom A is Stage Right, Kingdom B is Stage Left, with platforms at various levels for the different rooms/locations in each place, with the Storyteller's Chair Front Center.

Is this overstepping my bounds?

If this is allowed, where would I put it -- The Properties List? Or in the stage directions for each scene?

(And yes, I'm procrastinating while I try to figure out what happens next in my plot)