We’re glad you’re interested in playwriting. Without students like you, YPT would not have stories to tell. We believe in the power of each student to tell their story. 

What’s your story? How will you tell it?

The articles below will tell you how to get involved with YPT and give you tools to start writing plays on your own if we aren’t currently working at your school. 

We’re always interested in hearing new student voices. Feel free to write to us at info@yptdc.org.

YPT offers the following programs to teach students to write plays. If you’re interested in bringing one of our programs to your school or community center, ask your parent, guardian or teacher to fill out an application form. (Forms are available at the bottom of each page.)

• In-School Playwriting Program
• After-School Playwriting Program
• Summer Playwriting Series
• Playwrights in Residence Program

Want to write a play?
Don’t know where to start?
The worksheets below will help you begin to organize your ideas.
When you click on them, your browser will ask you to save or view the Word document.

• Important Vocabulary for Playwriting - Learn the meaning of words like Protagonist, Conflict and Objective.
• Character Questionnaire - A great tool to help you get to know your characters better.
• Seeds of a Play - This worksheet will help you find inspiration.
• The Five Stages of Playwriting - This will give you a plan of action.
• Basic Play Elements - The basic structure of a play.

It’s important to write your play in a proper format so that actors and directors can read it. The document below tells you how to set up your play according to official formatting guidelines. You can even use the document itself to input your work! Just be sure to save your changed file to a place on your computer where you can find it again.  

• Proper Script Formatting

Looking for more plays to read? The links below will take you to online retailers where you can order more.  And don’t forget to check your local library!

• New Dramatists
• Drama Bookshop

Looking to see more theater? Washington, D.C. is full of opportunities.  Visit the following links for more information on what’s playing around town right now.

• Helen Hayes Awards Washington Area Theater Directory
• League of Washington Theaters Member Theaters
• Potomac Stages Theater Listings

Visit our FAQ to see if you can find some more answers.

• Frequently Asked Questions