On Writing : Orlando Area by Jai D.

If it's a very short play (I think that's what you may mean by "a mini play") costs of production should be minimal. It doesn't make sense to make a significant financial investment in a very short one-act play which in any event would usually be presented as part of a bill including a number of short plays by other playwrights. So the basic rule: spend as little as possible. Borrow furniture -- or anything else that's absolutely necessary for the action of the play -- from friends, family, or the local thrift shop. Ask the performers to costume their characters from their own closets (or from yours). Don't build a set with walls, doors, windows, and the kitchen sink. Let your audience provide that through their imaginations.

Thanks!!! The set was my biggest worry because I don't know much about building sets and im pretty sure its not budget friendly. Thank you for the input

Yes totally agree with above. Less can be more. I once had total white backdrop and set, (white painted chipboard walls, and I covered floor with white paper). Cost a few pounds at the time. With just two props from the era, which i borrowed. Good lighting is more crucial to create atmosphere on stage, moods and tensions. Things can easily be hired these days, eg Grip houses etc.

In the play most of the scenes are either held in an apt or at church. What items should I have. For the Apt I know a couch and a side table for a lamp, just something simple. For the small church scene i'm kind of stumped

Thank you all for the feedback!

Ive just seen question about church. I suppose the 3 things are 1 . A table representing an alter, any table should do as long as audience can see it, as it will be covered with white table cloth. A crucifix might be hard to get hold of, unless theatre props department has one. So maybe a large goblet, to go on table, with surrounding cloth eg shiny material or folded cushion covers. If not a Catholic Church, maybe just some flowers on table. 2. Rugs or carpeting to create an aisle on centre of the floor, leading to alter. 3. Some chairs for either side of the aisle. (Years ago I once created the effect of being inside a church, by using a projector, to project a slide of a Cathedral window onto a white wall.) Good Luck with your future plays.

When you're thinking about what each location needs, think about how to do this so as little time as possible is necessary for the change from church to apartment. Time taken for set changes always undercuts the audience's emotional connection to the play if it's more than 15-30 seconds, especially if you have multiple scenes. So, no couch -- they're hard to move in a small theatre. Perhaps just use two chairs small enough for one person to carry on/off stage. For the church, a pew can be suggested by three or four simple wooden chairs side by side. And ask your actors to take part in the set changes -- that's usual practice in small theatre productions.

Yes Richard gave good ideas. I also forgot to add, a large bible (open) on alter. Doesn't have to be a real one. And maybe a few books resembling prayer books on empty chairs. Or if people using chairs, on their laps.