Finding a Script

Finding a script involves looking for an appropriate text for your actors to perform, such as a script, screenplay, etc.

Finding Your Audience
In order to choose a script for your actors to perform, you need to figure out in what your prospective audience is interested. Do they prefer performances of theatrical scripts, or movie screenplays? Do they prefer comedies or dramas? Classics or more recent fare? How much time will they willing to invest in a performance? These are all questions which you should try to answer in order to narrow down your search for a script.

If you know of other individuals or collectives who are putting on similar live virtual performances, look at the fare that they are producing and see if it is successful. Consider emulating their fare. You may also consider going with a text which is significantly different from the ones which they are using so as to distinguish yourself and stand out to audiences.

If you or your collective have a social media presence, consider asking your followers what sort of texts they would want to see performed. Send out polls, surveys, or open a forum.

Choosing a Genre
Once you have compiled data on what your prospective audience is interested in, you and your collaborators will need to choose a genre for your performance. Genre is determined by the sorts of conventions and literary techniques a script uses -- essentially, what sort of story it tells. Here are some examples:


 * Romance
 * Comedy
 * Horror
 * Drama
 * Mystery

Choose a genre which will appeal to as many potential viewers as possible.

Choosing a Medium
Medium is the format of a script -- essentially, how the story is told. Here are some examples:


 * Theatrical play
 * Feature film
 * Television episode
 * Podcast episode
 * Radio play

Once again, choose a medium which will appeal to as many potential viewers as possible.

Finding a Script
Once you have determined your genre and medium, you must find a workable script to perform.

There are many resources to use in doing this, such as libraries and online databases, such as Scribd or Internet Archive. There are a number of questions you should keep in mind when browsing for scripts:


 * Does the script have enough speaking roles to accommodate your estimated number of participants?
 * Is there a version of the script which you can freely and easily distribute to your cast and crew?
 * Is this script free to perform, or do you need legal permission from the author?
 * Do you need to pay for access to the script?

Ask yourself these questions whenever you find a script which fits your generic and medium-based criteria.