Dramatists Toolkit,The Craft of the Working Playwright: The Craft of the Working Playwright

by Jeffrey Sweet

In The Dramatist's Toolkit , playwright and Backstage columnist Jeff Sweet offers an intensive and practical guide to being a working playwright. In this informative guide, Sweet discusses such matters Jeff Sweet offers guidance for the beginning playwright and advice for the seasoned professional.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Theatre, Plays, Drama

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1993

Reviews

[S.G.]

The most helpful book so far

[Neale Sourna]

Excellent for any writer who wants to clarify and build their dramatic writing impact.

[Caroline]

I took a summer retreat series with Jeff Sweet almost 7 years ago. The classes were great, but I hadn't really read my copy of Dramatist's Toolkit. Well, I was having some rewriting roadblocks recently, and I took this puppy off my shelf, and it was super helpful. I usually don't believe in "playwriting books," but Jeff (I feel I can call him Jeff) is great at demonstrating instances of structure and dialogue that get his point across. I'm no novelist, but I would imagine his points are helpful for all sorts of fiction writers.

[Jim Kuenzer]

Generally, "how to write" types of books are horrible. I'm lucky if I can find one bit of true wisdom. This, on the other hand, offers a lot of great practical advice. A great place to start for the new playwright.

[Julia]

This is a great playwrighting book. Sweet has a very readable, story-telling voice, and his suggestions are clear and logical. If you want to write plays, this is the book to read.

[David]

A thorough, practical exploration of the craft of writing plays -- and also a great tool for actors and directors to help figure out what a playwright is trying to do.

[Jane]

Lots of good and relevant advice on playwriting in today's theatre!

[Erika Nerdypants]

So, so helpful. My playwriting bible.

[A.J.]

This was a great textbook on playwriting. I have read a few recently to help me write my first play, I have to admit most have been unhelpful and often boring, but I found this book insightful and interesting to read.