On Writing : Book to Play - advice by Sam Carbon

Book to Play - advice

Dear all

I have recently converted my book to a play, Can anyone advise where & who I can possibly pitch the idea to please thank you... Sam

Lindbergh E Hollingsworth

Hi Sam! When you say "play" do you mean a stage play or a screenplay? I don't know of anyone whom takes a pitch for a 'stage play'. A screenplay based on a book is a different thing all together, and S32 can be a place to pitch.

Mark Deuce

Sam Carbon The Writers´ Room here on S32. And best of Luck!

Sam Carbon

Hi there it's a stage play, with 3 acts. Thank you

William Joseph Hill

Hey Sam Carbon , one thing you can do is pitch your play to theatre companies in the area where you live. It won't be a lot of $, but theatre companies often look for new work that they can produce where they don't have to buy the rights for. And you get a world premiere of your play. Research the different theatres in your area and go see shows so you see the quality of their productions. Also be open to getting a dramaturge who can help you further develop the play & doing staged readings with actors too, because it will most likely need rewrites once it gets staged with actors in the roles. But it can be a very rewarding process!

Tom Lapke

Here is a great resource for some playwrighting competitions that could help get your show produced. https://aact.org/contests

Pat Alexander

Definitely plug in to the local theatre community in your area. Go to a show at a theatre you think is capable of doing what you have in mind, and try to meet the folks involved -- obviously not right after they've stepped off stage, but if there's a reception, hang around for it and greet the team behind the work. Also stop by the bulletin board to peruse fliers for upcoming get togethers and networking opportunities. There's always something going on whether it's a mixer, writing group, etc.. From there, just get to know other playwrights and folks in your area, once you build real relationships, maybe bring up your works and ask for recommendations on where you might can get it staged. It takes a campaign and there's not really a magic bullet out there for most, but with some fun nights out and a little elbow rubbing, you can get yourself into great positions to set your work up!

Sam Carbon

Thank you. Amazing suggestions.

Jonathan Jordan

Stage plays are incredibly difficult to pitch because of how tight-knit the Broadway community tends to be. But I agree with the suggestions for both entering contests (which is how I got my start), and also connecting with local theatre community who may be looking for new material. You can also put together room reads with aspiring actors and film the read to create content everyone can use as part of their "reel" or promoting online.

Pat Alexander

Great advice Jonathan Jordan -- all actors want more "content" right now. So it helps if you can help them put together something they can post online to show they are "in the mix" and working out their craft. With actors, activity can really boost their brands/appeal. Getting some aspiring actors together and filming a read is a fantastic way that can be beneficial for everyone.

Sam Carbon

so much value...thank you to all. Will take on all the suggestions. :))

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