Good resources for writing plays?

Hello, I'm looking for good resources whether websites or books about the craft of writing plays. I'm not concerned yet about the production or marketing of them, but the writing itself. Thanks in advance for your help.

Good resources for writing plays?performing show

The best material is other plays. Read Shakespeare and Chekhov and as many other plays as you can.

Then, just write it.

Inspiration can't be learned.

Good resources for writing plays?opera score opera theater

Read plays that others have written and attend performances of plays.
Hi there

Recommendations for books:

The Crafty Art of Playmaking by Alan Ayckbourn

Playwriting: A Practical Guide by Noel Greig (very practical, lots of exercises, but possibly better if you're LEADING a playwriting group - good for self motivation, though)

Writing a Play by Steve Gooch

I'd also advise looking at new writing theatres in your area as they often run playwriting workshops and the input of a real live playwright is invaluable (they can give you feedback, for example). Some of the below also accept unsolicited scripts which they will give you feedback on (check their websites).

London:

Royal Court

Soho Theatre

Hampstead Theatre

Theatre 503

Elsewhere in England:

West Yorkshire Playhouse

Royal Exchange, Manchester

Live!, Newcastle

Liverpool Everyman

Scotland:

Playwrights' Studio, Scotland (development organisation - also New Writing North, New Writing South East etc in relevant areas of the country)

Traverse Theatre

Wales:

Script Cymru

Ireland:

Tinderbox

Rough Magic

Druid

The Abbey

Rest of the world:

Australia: The Fitz

NYC: Manhattan Theatre Club

Canada: CEAD

Elsewhere... my knowledge is a bit patchy!

Websites that have good info on courses, writing advice etc:

www.writernet.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom (good general writing links and info)

Other posts right in that reading plays and watching them is great. This is the single biggest thing you can do to develop your skills, as long as it's good writing you're reading/watching! (And good writing can be ruined by a bad production)

Good luck. Hold on to your originality and voice even when you temper it with what you read and are advised.