The 7 Stages of Writing Your Own Script

Written by Savannah Rutherford

July 18, 2017

We’ve all been there — “I want to write my own script!” You’ve worked on some amazing shows that have inspired you to write something of your own blood, sweat, and tears. Lots of tears. However many times you’ve sat down to write your own one-act drama or full blown musical, everyone can recognize the stages one goes through on their journey of becoming the next Tony nominee.

Incredibly Optimistic:

Plot devices! Character names! Historical setting! No one can stop me! This is what I was born to do! Don’t talk to me for the next seven hours!

On Fire:

No other art form can surpass creating life on stage out of thin air. Is this what God felt like? Thank you, Broadway station on Pandora!

Dangerously Comfortable:

It’s only been two hours? My wrist hurts. Let me grab a snack. Wait; let me change one thing here… Okay, great. Snack. Netflix break? You deserve this.

Moderate Doubt:

I left it alone for a few days, and now it’s time to review my masterpiece. Uh, maybe I’ll change it to the 1950s. What if they’re British? What if it’s about a child hero?! *sighs, fervently backspaces*

Existential Doubt:

So I basically started over?! This escalated quickly, I think it’s wine time.

The Beginning of the End:

Okay, maybe I can’t do this. Why don’t my thoughts make sense? Making a flow chart would just be a waste of time. Fine, this would’ve sucked anyway.

Six Months Later:

So, I have this idea for a play. No, seriously, hear me out.

Whatever stage you’re finding yourself in right now, don’t give up! Art takes time! And remember, we have ALL been there!



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Savannah Rutherford is an actor, classical singer, and stage manager based in Huntsville, AL. She is one semester shy of graduating with a Bachelor’s of Art in Voice and a Bachelor’s of Art in Theatre Performance from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She is on the hunt for graduate schools to continue opera training. Her favorite onstage credits include Hedy LaRue in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (2014, UAH Theatre) and Audrey in Leading Ladies (2015, Theatre Huntsville). She was recently recognized as Best Stage Manager by Huntsville Theatre Reviews (2016, ‘Dentity Crisis).

Thumbnail photo from http://news-entertainment.net.