How to Write a Parody of a Play

While many plays these days are actually parodies of themselves and contain some "camp" elements, there is still room for parodies in today's theater, particularly if you choose to poke fun at classics. Whether your parody of a play will appear as part of a school production or on Broadway, parodies contain common elements that can guarantee laughs.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Ensure you are not violating copyright laws with your parody. You will need to do some research and discuss this with a lawyer.

2. Make your parody revolve around a minor character, and the major characters should become minor characters. Take a look at "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" by Tom Stoppard. This play is a classic parody of "Hamlet" and is dominated by minor characters.

3. Note essential moments and memorable lines. Make sure these are also featured in your parody, and if they are serious, you should make them comic.

4. Create puns for characters' names. Make the sound of the name reflect the character's personality.

5. Use costumes, props and backstage noises (such as unexpected toilet flushes) for "gags."

6. Employ the device of ironic self-consciousness in the play. The characters should step out of character and comment on the action of the play as actors. This is a common device used in theatrical parodies and absurdist drama.

7. Involve the audience. This is another form of theatrical self-consciousness and can be unexpected and fun.

Tips & Warnings

• Find someone who likes the idea and may be interested to produce the play before you write. The advantage of a parody of a play is that if the original is popular, a parody will attract an audience.
• Discuss your plans with a lawyer to avoid any potential lawsuits.
• Do not make your play expensive to produce, since you may have a limited budget.