A Few Answers
I'm not very experienced, but I'll give it a shot. None of this is gospel.
What’s the best way to circulate your play around town, go to each theater? Professional theaters rarely look for plays to produce to come in 'off the street.' You might succeed with this method if there are amateur theater groups in your area, but you'd want to call or write to ask if they are looking for original new plays, not show up at the door. Better bet is to look into any contests in the area where the prize for best play is a professional read-through by actors, or a performance.
What’s the maximum number of actors you want in a play?
There's no maximum except for how many can be crammed on the stage, of course, but new plays often feature small casts. Theaters may be willing to take a chance on an unknown if the production cost, including the number of actors, is small.
When writing a play are there any taboo subjects (such as sex, religion and politics)?
No taboos at all--but some theaters will not produce plays they object to for whatever reason.
I’m thinking of getting a female writing partner to get the female actors part more authentic, would this be a wise move? If yes, what percentage should I offer this person?
Your time will be better spent listening to females, paying attention to female dialogue in plays and movies, and reading female authors. Learning to present female characters without needing to hire one, and give her a share of your pay, will serve you much better in the long run. Besides, it never hurts for a guy to really listen to, and understand, women.
Do they rate plays (M = mature, R = restricted, X = pornographic)?
I've never seen a rating like the ones used for movies and television, but I've seen warnings in advertisements about mature subject matter and unsuitability for children.
Is there such thing as a pornographic play?
That would depend on one's definition of 'pornography' and takes too long to go into here. There are plays which depends on a character's sexual deeds, some of which may be depicted on stage. To most adults, pornography has to be a lot more visible than the actors' 'naughty bits' are on stage.
Are high schools a good source to contact for first time play writers?
In general, no. Some high school students are very good with words, but there's a certain level of experience necessary for a good play, which they haven't yet acquired. However, if the play was about something they do have plenty of experience with, the youth of the writer wouldn't be a negative.
Other than “Don’t give up”, what would be the best advice you could give to a nubee such as myself?
Master format early, so you never have to question how to put your ideas on the page. Write every single day--sick, busy, holiday, doesn't matter. See plays at every opportunity (not just professional productions but theater groups, colleges, and high schools), and think about what works and what doesn't. Then think about why. Read plays--a lot. Read the books on which the plays are based, when they are, and think about which aspects of the book are missing from the play and why. Search out play-like movies and plays that have been filmed and study them, too.
That ought to keep you busy for a long time! Best of luck with it.
Maryn
