How can you challenge audience expectations in theater scripts?

One of the most powerful tools a theater scriptwriter has is the ability to surprise, intrigue, and challenge the audience by subverting their expectations. Whether it is through plot twists, genre shifts, unconventional characters, or breaking the fourth wall, a script that defies the norms and conventions of theater can create a memorable and engaging experience for the viewers. In this article, you will learn some of the ways you can challenge audience expectations in theater scripts and why they work.

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1 Plot twists

A plot twist is a sudden and unexpected change in the direction or outcome of the story that reveals new information or perspectives. Plot twists can shock, delight, or confuse the audience, depending on how well they are executed and foreshadowed. A good plot twist should not be arbitrary or illogical, but rather follow from the established facts and clues of the story. Some examples of plot twists in theater scripts are the revelation of Hamlet's father's ghost, the identity of the barber in Sweeney Todd, and the fate of the characters in The Mousetrap.

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Jarrod Barker

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One example that I would like to share is the plot twist that centralizes 1979's Star Trek:The Motion Picture. What makes this twist delightful is that clues are gently placed throughout the story arc and as it develops those clues are muddied so that we aren't quite sure to believe our insights as to the identity of the alien ship which threatens Earth. SPOILER ALERT: we are led to believe the ship is a conduit or probe for the entity called V'ger but at the end of the film we are delightfully treated to the fact that the name plate from a deep space probe launched from Earth by NASA which spells Voyager is partially covered up with space debris and the only letters visible are V'ger. After clearing the plate the identity is revealed.

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2 Genre shifts

A genre shift is a change in the tone, style, or conventions of the story that alters the expectations and emotions of the audience. Genre shifts can be subtle or dramatic, gradual or abrupt, and can occur within a scene, an act, or the entire play. Genre shifts can create contrast, humor, suspense, or irony, depending on the effect the scriptwriter wants to achieve. Some examples of genre shifts in theater scripts are the transition from comedy to tragedy in The Merchant of Venice, the switch from realism to fantasy in The Glass Menagerie, and the blend of horror and musical in Little Shop of Horrors.

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Ruslan Bokach

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Genre shifts in theatrical scripts are a potent tool to challenge audience expectations, injecting excitement and unpredictability into the performance. Shifting genres can shock the audience, disrupting their preconceived notions and compelling them to reassess the characters and storyline. Whether through a sudden jolt or a gradual evolution. One notable example of a genre shift in a movie is Quentin Tarantino's "From Dusk Till Dawn." The film starts off as a tense crime thriller, focusing on two criminal brothers on the run. However, halfway through the movie, there is an abrupt and unexpected genre shift from crime thriller to horror, as the story takes an intense turn into a world infested with vampires.

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3 Unconventional characters

An unconventional character is one that does not fit the typical stereotypes or archetypes of the genre, setting, or theme of the story. Unconventional characters can challenge the audience's assumptions, prejudices, or sympathies, and can offer a fresh or subversive perspective on the issues and conflicts of the story. An unconventional character should not be a mere gimmick or token, but rather a complex and believable person with motivations and flaws. Some examples of unconventional characters in theater scripts are the female protagonist in Pygmalion, the anti-hero in Macbeth, and the chorus in Our Town.

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Ruslan Bokach

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This authenticity often resonates with the audience, making the story more relatable and thought-provoking. It fosters empathy and understanding, leading to a richer and more nuanced viewing experience. In the theatrical realm, the character of Lady Macbeth in William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" defies traditional gender roles and expectations of femininity. Ambitious, ruthless, and morally complex, Lady Macbeth challenges the conventional depiction of women in Shakespearean plays. Her unapologetic ambition and manipulation contribute to the tragedy's intricate narrative, showcasing the effectiveness of unconventional characters in challenging societal norms within a theatrical context.

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4 Breaking the fourth wall

Breaking the fourth wall is a technique that involves the characters or the narrator addressing or acknowledging the audience directly, either verbally or non-verbally. Breaking the fourth wall can create a sense of intimacy, involvement, or complicity between the performers and the viewers, and can also serve as a commentary, a joke, or a critique of the story or the theater itself. Breaking the fourth wall should not be overused or inconsistent with the tone and style of the story, but rather enhance the message and the mood of the script. Some examples of breaking the fourth wall in theater scripts are the soliloquies in Hamlet, the asides in The Importance of Being Earnest, and the meta-theatrical devices in Six Characters in Search of an Author.

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Ruslan Bokach

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This unconventional approach breaks the imaginary barrier that separates the fictional world from the real world, inviting the audience to become active participants in the narrative. It can enhance engagement, create intimacy, and inject an element of surprise, fundamentally altering the way the story is experienced. In the theatrical realm, the musical "Cabaret" features a character named the Master of Ceremonies who frequently breaks the fourth wall. He directly engages the audience, providing commentary on the events of the play and foreshadowing the dark turn of the story. This technique heightens the sense of immersion and serves as a powerful tool to challenge audience expectations, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you challenge audience expectations in theater scripts?

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1 Plot twists

2 Genre shifts

3 Unconventional characters

4 Breaking the fourth wall

5 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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How can you challenge audience expectations in theater scripts?

1

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1 Plot twists

2 Genre shifts

3 Unconventional characters

4 Breaking the fourth wall

5 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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