What is a Playwright?
The playwright writes the play that the actors perform on the stage. Strong language skills are essential to communicate ideas and thoughts into a dramatic script that tells a story. Research is necessary to develop the plot, characters, setting and dialogue. A playwright may write an original script or produce an adaptation from a book or other source. The ability to write creatively is required to produce a script that is unique and entertaining to an audience. The playwright also edits the script for correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Real People Profile
| Name: | Leasharn M. Hopkins |
| Workplace: | Works from home |
| Education: | High school diploma |
| Favorite Subject(s) in School: | English and business |
| First Real Job: | Employee at the S.C. Real Estate Commission |
| Dream Job: | Owner of a successful production company |
| Interests: | Reading, acting in the theater, dancing |
Real People Q&A
Advice for students interested in my job:
Take as many English courses as possible and go to college.
What subjects in school will students need to do my job?
English and creative writing
What I like most about my job?
It's not the applause that the actors get. It's to know that the director can understand what I wrote, that the actors can accurately interpret and portray it on stage, and that the audience can understand and feel my piece. That is fulfilling to me.
What is the biggest challenge in my job?
Marketing my work is very challenging. As a writer, for me, I take my work very personally. It's like I'm giving the public or the audience a piece of me. Rejection really comes hard when you're giving somebody a piece of you, but I take it as a way to learn and grow.
How do you get a job like mine?
First and foremost, I wish I had gone to college. Because I didn't go, I'm at a disadvantage. I have to work extra hard. The things that you learn in college as a writer, I have to go to workshops, festivals, and it's trial and error. Most playwright jobs are in New York and some of the big cities, but in South Carolina, there is a need for new and fresh material here. I would encourage someone to put their ideas on paper and find someone, maybe a teacher, to read them. I would also encourage someone to go to college and pursue writing, journalism, and theater courses. Take advantage of the Internet. There is information there for people who want to be a playwright.
