In standard formatting, one page generally equals one minute of stage time. Ensure your 15 to 20 pages feel substantial enough to meet the 10-to-15-minute performance requirement. Final Checklist for Band 6 Submission Before submitting your Individual Project, ask yourself: Is my script strictly between 15 and 20 pages? Does it feature a maximum of two actors? Is the conflict clear within the first three pages?
A common pitfall for student screenwriters is writing a movie instead of a play. Stage plays rely on different mechanics than film. Your script must be achievable within the limitations of a live theatre space. Focus on Dramatic Tension over Special Effects
Scene 1 — the door opens (Lights up on JESS at the table, sorting mail. She’s methodical. The sealed envelope on the noticeboard is visible. Kettle whistles offstage. There’s a knock at the door. Jess freezes, then walks to open it. MICHAEL stands in the doorway, coat damp, hands empty.)
A clear structure is the skeleton upon which a successful play is built. While there is no single correct way to structure a play, a clear sense of dramatic shape is required.
A 15-to-20-page script generally follows a traditional three-act dramatic arc compressed into a short timeframe:
The logbook is where you prove your working process. Markers cannot see you struggling; you must show them through photos, drafts, and reflections.
JESS You left me the choice: keep the wound sealed, or open it and let it hurt.
Use a standard playwriting layout (like standard script format in software such as WriterDuet or Celtx). Character names should be centered or clearly capitalized on the left, with stage directions clearly distinguished in italics or parentheses. Font: Use standard 12-point Courier or Times New Roman.