* Try not to let the limited space/setting of the stage be a restriction. With skillful writing - less can actually be more.
* Keep in mind the cost of producing your play. The more characters and sets you employ - the more expensive it will be. Many modern plays feature only 3-4 characters and take place in one location.
* Get your play moving quickly. There was a tendency in the past for stage plays to employ lengthy exposition scenes. Modern audiences have shorter attention spans!
* Don't bother with lengthy stage directions; concentrate on the text. If your play is produced, the director and the actors will deal with this aspect.
* Remember to give your characters some "business" to perform while they speak their lines e.g. making drinks, doing the ironing or building a model of The Victory out of matchsticks.
* Work out the age of your characters and try to give each one a unique tone of voice.
* Most stage plays revolve around conflict or confusion. Does yours?
* Try to tackle the modern world - not some re-hash of Oscar Wilde.
* Read your script aloud to see whether there are any sentences which are hard to deliver. If there are, change them.
* Try and become involved with your local theatre group. They might be able to offer you valuable advice. They might also give you script a read through.
Good luck.
Cam
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