How to Avoid Writing Dialect in Plays

Writing different dialects into plays gives them flavor and helps to explore cultural diversity, but sometimes, it becomes problematic. Too much specific dialect written into a play can make the reader squint as they try to decipher words (think Huckleberry Finn set for the stage). However, there are ways to put dialect into your plays without confusing the audience. Here are some tips to moderate the dialect that goes into a script for a stage production.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Use parenthetical cues. These will substitute for spelling out dialect words in the script. Use cues like (Southern dialect) or (Jamaican dialect) and let actors put their own spin on the dialogue.

2. Maintain good word order. You can show dialect by using specific word orders such as "ain't" and "ought should", or "it be all messed up like that" without mangling your actual words with writing like "et aht ta bay aypin" or "iss uh ap lahk et be." The difference with the former examples is that dialect word orders are paired with classic English word spelling for easier readability.

3. Express more extreme dialect lines with other parenthetical cues that explain or replace longer dialect monologues, for example: Actor #1 lapses into dialect, stops and catches himself or simply mumbles in dialect. These choices are part of your creation and you can see the results when your play is picked up, cast and auditioned.

4. Rely on actors' innate dialect skills. Coach your actors offstage about how to use their own judgment to get dialect into the play. This is often more effective than scripting it in for them.

5. Write your plot and setting strategically. If you are really worried about adding dialect in a play about outlying regions of the world, set up your play for minimal dialect by setting scenes in formal places like prep schools, courthouses or upscale residences, where characters who would speak in dialect will tend to speak more in "proper English" (though keep in mind "proper English" is a subjective term).