STEP ONE:

Read the opening scene idea from your story outline.

Brainstom and jot down events and feelings that you want in the scene and how the scene should end.

STEP TWO:

Assign everyone a character. If there are more students than characters, several can work together.

Think of how your character sounds and behaves in the TV series. Try to become your character. In this scene what is your goal? What is your main emotion? What are your feelings for the other characters in the scene?

STEP THREE:

Begin improvising - pretend you are the character and start talking. A few tips:

1. Start right into the action - don't let the audience switch channels.
2. Don't let one character go on for too long. To get things going, limit everyone to one sentence, then it's another character's turn.
3. React to what is said or what has just happened.
4. Stay in character. Imagine how the TV character would react.
5. Improvise actions, not just words.

At the end of the scene, jot down the improvised dialogue and action.

STEP FOUR:

Begin revising. Look at the notes from Step One. Did the scene end as planned? Did the planned events take place? If not, improvise a new scene with these points in mind.

Look for places to improve.

Cross out dialogue that:

• repeats points already made
• doesn't relate to the main actions
• doesn't sound natural
• doesn't show the goals or emotions of the characters

Add:

• humor
• gestures or expressions that you associate with a character
• obstacles or conflicts between characters that make them react strongly

STEP FIVE:

Each time you revise the script, write the dialogue and actions in more detail, until you have a complete script.