Someone recently wrote in with this question:
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I see that when submitting a play , it is often requested in a specific format. For example, some organizations require the character name in the center with dialogue below, while some others require the character name on the left side with dialogue directly following. This is an issue when sending the play to several organizations. I find myself reformatting the play. Is there a way around this?
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Let’s talk a little bit about standard play formatting, and then, let’s talk about what to do when theaters call for a different format.
First:
Standard format is the version with the character’s name in the center with the dialogue below. This is ideal for a few reasons: first, it makes reason easy; and second, it makes it easy to estimate run-time based on page count.
For more details, such as specifics on exactly how much each element should be indented, check out this 7-page reference from The Dramatists’ Guild: https://www.dramatistsguild.com/sites/default/files/2020-01/General-SFI-Formatting-Guidelines-Complete.pdf
It includes a few example pages that show you exactly what everything should look like (including your cover page, cast of characters, acts and scenes, and dialogue and direction).
That’s STANDARD format. But the question above referenced theaters requesting a different formatting in their play submission guidelines.
In this scenario, I’ll hearken back to last month’s email, in which I argued that the #1 best way to avoid rejection is to always read the full submission guidelines before submitting (and follow them).
If a theater asks for non-standard format, there’s probably a good reason for it. And you’ll most likely improve your chances by following their guidelines.
Now, I certainly wouldn’t reformat your original play file. Instead, duplicate it and update the duplicate. This way you can continue using the original file for most submissions.
I realize it’s extra work. But it’s worth it–at least in my opinion–to give your hard work the best shot possible of getting produced.
And before I go, let me finish by saying that while formatting is important, it’s not critical, and it’s not worth obsessing over.
No one is going to produce a bad play just because it’s formatted correctly, just like no one is going to reject a brilliant play just because the indentations are off by a half-inch one way or the other.
So focus on writing the best play you can, and use standard formatting as the default. You can tweak the formatting when someone requests something different.