Theatrefolk - The Drama Teacher Resource Company

Playwriting Exercise: Hurdling the First Line

Sometimes the hardest part in getting started is coming up with that first line. Turning a blank page into writing. It’s always going to be easier to turn away from a blank page than to commit to words on the page. So use this exercise to get over that hurdle.

Instructions:

For the next 10 days, write one scene a day. The scene should be one page long. The scene should only have two characters who are in one room, in one location. Go down the list and for each day use the provided first line as the first line of your scene.

1. Well, aren’t you going to congratulate me?
2. What do you mean “I have to give the ring back?”
3. This is most definitely the result of a curse.
4. Dude, Lara Croft is not your girlfriend.
5. I can fix this, I am determined to fix this.
6. I have something important to tell you.
7. Why are you hiding in the bathroom?
8. Sir, you dropped your wallet.
9. I would do anything for a peanut butter dipped chocolate bar right now.
10. First day of school, first day of hell.


Click here for a PDF version of this exercise!
Download For Free

Related Articles

Playwriting Exercise: Indoor Clouds
Playwriting Exercise: Indoor Clouds
Picture Prompt: What are they talking about?
Picture Prompt: What are they talking about?
Distance Learning: Playwriting & Written and Analysis Exercises
Distance Learning: Playwriting & Written and Analysis Exercises

81 Playwriting Exercises

by Lindsay Price

81 exercises that can be used to get students in the habit of writing on a regular basis.

How to Write a Play for your Students

by Lindsay Price

You’ve chosen to write a play for your students! Where do you start?

Resource Bundle - Playwriting

Use these 4 Playwriting drama teaching resources to make playwriting possible with your students. Great for warm-ups, prompts, writer's block and more!

Enjoy a Front Row Seat to Our Newsletter!

Subscribe for our exciting updates, insights, teaching resources, and new script releases. Plus, sign up now and get 4 plays and 2 lesson plans for FREE!

Theatrefolk - The Drama Teacher Resource Company
Theatrefolk is the Drama Teacher Resource Company. We are your one stop shop for Plays, Resources, and Curriculum Support - all specifically designed for High School and Middle School drama teachers.
Follow Us!
Drama Teacher Academy
Copyright © 1995-2024