Tips to Write Characters So Real They Practically Pay Rent

by Cate Cammarata | Sep 1, 2025 | Inspiration, Theater, Writing Tips

You’ve got a great premise. You’ve outlined a killer plot. But your characters? They’re… fine.

They’re saying all the right things, but somehow, it’s just not clicking. It’s like they’re reading cue cards instead of living inside the world of your play or musical.

And delivering over your message? Well … they sort of feel lost. (What message?)

Here’s the truth: characters aren’t just there to deliver information. The best characters change things. They drive the action forward. And when they speak? What they say shifts the story and holds your attention through the rest of the play.

Often writers tell me that they write “character-driven” plays. That’s great – but sometimes your characters can write themselves into a corner and leave you stuck figuring how to get them out.

Or characters can act erratically, even in character, but still not help you deliver over the message you need to give to the audience at the end.

So, how to write characters that embody your action and are able to deliver over the message at the end?

Start incorporating character development not as a one-time brainstorm—but as a daily habit.

Spend 10 minutes every day talking with one of your characters. Live with them. Make them real.

Are Your Characters Are Just Mouthpieces or Real People?

If your characters feel flat, check for these red flags:

Every character sounds the same
They speak (or worse yet, sing) in exposition—telling the audience what’s happening instead of showing us through their active choices
One’s dialogue could be swapped into another character’s dialogue – and no one would notice
They never make decisions that impact the course of the story or drive the action forward.

If that sounds familiar, don’t worry—it’s fixable. Definitely fixable!

Here’s where to start.

Daily Character Interrogation Prompts

Get into the habit of checking in with your characters daily. See what’s going on with them.

Ask them questions as if they’re real people—because in the world of your story, they are. And you have to know them intimately.

Try asking them one of these questions each day while you’re plotting out your play:

What are you most afraid of right now?
What’s your secret that nobody knows?
Who in this story do you love—and why haven’t you said it?
What do you want from this next scene?
What lie are you telling yourself?

You don’t need perfect answers. The goal is to listen—not force a response. Let them reveal themselves to you.

Exercises to Let Your Characters Surprise You

Sometimes we try to control our characters too tightly. Loosen your grip! Let them surprise you.

Try this:

Write a scene you would never include in the show—a dream sequence, an imaginary fight, a childhood memory. See what comes out.
Monologue from the antagonist’s POV. What do they think the story is about?
Put your character in a modern-day situation (e.g. at the DMV, on a dating app, stuck in traffic). How do they behave?

The goal isn’t formula — it’s discovery.

Use Dialogue as Action

In theatre, sometimes dialogue is the action. It should do more than express thoughts—it should create tension, reveal stakes, and push decisions.

Before you write a scene, ask yourself:

What does each character want in this moment?
How are they using their words to get it?
What’s at risk if they don’t? In other words, what are the stakes?

If characters are truly pursuing goals that are important to them, their dialogue becomes active—even explosive.

That’s what you want, because that’s what makes your play interesting.

(You can also read another blog post “Writing Active Dialogue” here.)

Tie Character Arcs to Plot Structure

A story isn’t just about what happens. It’s about who it happens to—and how it changes them, moment by moment. And how the audience follows the action.

As you build your plot beats moment to moment, track your character arcs alongside them:

What belief or behavior must your protagonist unlearn?
Where in the story does that belief get tested?
Where’s the point of no return when they make a choice they can’t take back, and must plow ahead no matter the cost?

When character transformation is tied to your structure, revealed moment by moment, scene by scene, the audience understands the character and the journey.

Final Thoughts

Characters shouldn’t just talk—they should take up space, demand things, break things, fix things, move the whole story forward. They should be interesting. And the more time you spend with them—not just writing them, but living with them and listening to them—the more alive they become, for the other characters and for your audience.

So try this: Spend 10 minutes today talking to one of your characters. Ask them what they want. Then put something in their way. See what happens next.

Make them real enough to pay rent (in NYC).

That’s when the real fun begins.

How Not to Lose Momentum in Writing Your Play

by Cate Cammarata | Aug 18, 2025 | Inspiration, Theater, Writing Tips

Staying productive between sparks of inspiration

If you’ve ever stared at your script and had absolutely no idea of what to write, you’re not alone. You’re only human.

Inspiration is powerful, but fleeting. If you only write when the muse shows up, your show might stall out halfway through Act One with no idea where to go. Or, your characters can write themselves into a corner, leaving both you and the story at a standstill.

But here’s the good news: momentum doesn’t depend on inspiration—it depends on action. Even bad action is better than no action, because bad action can get you someplace better. No action leaves you trapped. Stuck. Unsure of what to do.

Let’s bust the myth of the muse and explore how to keep your creative engine running, even when you’re not “feeling it.”

The Myth of Waiting for the Muse

Many writers hold onto the romantic idea that creativity strikes like lightning. But the best writers understand that waiting for inspiration can lead to long, unproductive stretches.

Professionals don’t wait—they build habits that keep the work moving forward regardless of mood.

Think of it like rehearsing a show. You don’t only rehearse on the days everyone feels inspired—you show up, warm up, and get to work. Writing is no different.

Techniques for Showing Up Anyway

Most of life depends on your just showing up. That’s the honest truth.

You don’t need a brilliant idea to get started.

Try these techniques that help you “show up” to your writing practice:

Freewriting: Set a timer for 15 minutes and write without stopping. It might be junk—but it might lead to something unexpectedly brilliant.

Morning Pages: Julia Cameron’s classic practice involves three longhand pages of stream-of-consciousness writing every morning. It clears out mental clutter and primes the creative pump. (I highly recommend Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way and its companion book The Artist’s Way Morning Pages Journal.)

“Permission to Write Badly” Drafts: Give yourself a pass to write something terrible. You can always revise later—but only if you write something in the first place.

Revisit Earlier Drafts with Fresh Eyes

Sometimes the best way to move forward is to look back.

Pull out an earlier draft of your script or score. Reread it as if it were written by someone else. What works? What surprises you? What needs cutting?

Time and again I’ve seen my writers go back to something they’ve put away, and when they look at it with fresh eyes, they discover something totally different.

You might find a character’s voice you forgot you nailed—or a plot thread that needs untangling. Editing can be just as creatively energizing as drafting.

Alternately, if you are in a writing group you can present your new scene or new pages to the group to get their feedback. Or you can hire a dramaturg and get their insights on the work – which may be a smart move, especially if that dramaturg is connected with a regional theater or producing group.

Structure Your Non-Writing Days to Allow a Larger Vision of Your Show

Even when you’re not writing, you can still stay connected to your work:

Watch a show (live or recorded) with a playwright’s eye: What works in the structure? What would you change? What do you find especially appealing visually? What specific theatrical elements create the mood or deliver over the message? “Steal like an artist.”

Create a playlist for a character or a scene. Let music spark emotional connections as you move about your day. Inspiration comes from unusual places sometimes!

Read interviews with other writers to stay inspired and feel less alone.

Go on a “research walk”—literally walk around and observe like your character would. Extra credit for switching out your environments.

These actions keep your creative muscles warm, even if you’re not putting words on the page.

Playwright-Tested Inspiration Exercises

Here are a few other “go-to” practices from real writers that I’ve found worked well over the years:

Write a scene in a totally different genre—turn your serious drama into a sitcom episode and see what happens. Or a musical. Or a farce.

Interview your characters as if you’re a journalist. This can be powerful.

Use writing prompts like “What is my character most afraid to admit?” or “What does my antagonist believe is true and right?”

See your scene on stage, but with no sound. Can you still understand the dramatic action?

These little “a-ha moments” often lead to bigger ideas.

Final Thoughts

Inspiration will come and go. But momentum? That’s entirely up to you.

A writing routine and a writer’s inner life is something you can cultivate.

Show up.

Stay curious.

Keep your project in motion—even when you’re not feeling particularly brilliant.

Find inspiration in the mundane moments of your life.

The muse may be elusive, but your creative habits are reliable. And inspiration is literally everywhere.

And when the next wave of inspiration hits? You’ll be ready for it.

Comment below and let me know if you’ve found any of these helpful!

Masta Ace Brings THE FALLING SEASON Musical Preview to The Green Room 42

by Cate Cammarata | Jul 22, 2025 | Press, Theater

Masta Ace Brings THE FALLING SEASON Musical Preview to The Green Room 42

The Green Room 42 will present a special one-night-only concert performance of THE FALLING SEASON, a new hip-hop musical by internationally acclaimed rapper and storyteller Masta Ace, on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM. The event will take place live at The Green Room 42 in New York City and will also be available via live stream. Read the full article here

Why You’re Not Writing Every Day – And How to Start

by Cate Cammarata | Jul 21, 2025 | Community, Theater, Writing Tips

For Playwrights and Musical Theatre Writers Who Want to Keep the Momentum Going

Let’s be real: you want to write every day.

You’ve got this show in your head that deserves to be on its feet—living, breathing, moving people. Your characters show up in your dreams, talking to you, begging you to make them come alive.

But when you sit down to write, you look at the blank screen, your mind races, you have a zillion other things to do and suddenly it’s 10:30 PM, you’re exhausted, and Netflix wins once more.

You’re not alone.

Writing daily is one of the most common struggles among playwrights and musical theatre writers. The pressure to be brilliant, the emotional vulnerability of putting words on a page, and the sheer time-suck of everyday life—it all adds up.

But here’s the thing: writing every day isn’t about discipline or punishment. It’s about building momentum, one actionable moment at a time. And getting produced is somewhat of a numbers game – the more great shows you have, the greater your chances of getting seen.

Let’s break down why it’s so hard to write everyday —and how to flip that script.

1. You Think You Need a Lot of Time

Many writers believe they need a full, uninterrupted hour (or three) to do some real writing.

But face it, long sessions are rare and unsustainable. Most of our lives are crazy busy these days. How do you find those undistracted moments to focus on your play even once a week, much less every day?

Here’s the thing to remember: You don’t need to write the entire Act I today—you just need to get something down.

What to try:

Set a 15-minute timer. That’s it. One focused sprint. You’ll be amazed at how much clarity can come from a short burst.
Keep a “daily scene” document: one page, one moment per day. No pressure to connect everything yet.
Make a promise to yourself to write badly. Take the pressure off yourself to be brilliant. Just write every day. Watch what happens when you just show up.

2. You’re Waiting to Feel Inspired

Ha! If you’re waiting to feel “inspired,” you may wait a long time.

But here’s the truth. There’s power in just showing up. If you only write when the muse strikes, you’ll end up unfocused, depressed, and thinking you should just give up.

Inspiration is not the starting point—it’s the result of showing up consistently.

What to try:

Create a ritual before you write: light a candle, put on a specific playlist, or make tea. Cue your brain that it’s time to enter the world of your show. Make the ritual repeatable at the same time every day (or most days).
Keep a running list of scene or song prompts (e.g., “Write a confrontation,” “Write a song of longing,” “Write the moment before they kiss”).
Before you sit to write, get into the next moment in your show visually first, in your head. I find this mental transition (while doing other things before your writing time) helps “prime the pump” of inspiration.

3. You’re Afraid It Won’t Be Good

Perfectionism kills momentum. First drafts are supposed to be messy. If you’re judging your work before it exists, it will never exist.

One thing I always tell my writers: Writing and editing are two separate processes. Don’t combine them.

What to try:

Write in a “sketch draft” mindset—you’re not writing the final script, you’re just sketching what might happen.
Automatic writing for 15 minutes. Use a pen and notebook to trick your brain into being less formal. No one ever has to see this version. Some people call this the “vomit” draft. Just get it on the page.
As to worrying about being good, that’s part of the process. Allow yourself to write badly. Writing is just re-writing, always refining the work. It will keep getting better and better if you persist.

4. You Don’t Know What Will Happen Next

Feeling stuck in your story is a legit momentum killer. But you don’t need to have it everything all figured out right now to keep going.

Just stick to your 15 minute writing routine and get something on the page. You’ll figure it out as you go along.

What to try:

Jump ahead. Write a later scene you do know.
Write a character monologue about what they’re feeling right now. Clues about your next scene often live inside your characters.
Know where you’re going. What is this play or musical about? What message are you trying to give over to the audience at the end?

5. You’re Going It Alone

Writing is solitary, but theater is collaborative.

If you’re trying to do this all by yourself, it’s easy to lose energy. Find someone to share your progress with.

What to try:

Join (or start) a small writers group with weekly check-ins. It’s remarkable what holding yourself accountable to a writers’ group will do for your process. CreateTheater has many to choose from.
Share short pieces with a trusted friend or fellow theatremaker to create momentum and accountability.
Hire a dramaturg to review your work and offer suggestions to move it forward.

✨ Try This: The “Daily Show Builder” Ritual

(5 Steps, 20 Minutes Max)

Step 1 (2 minutes): Review what you wrote yesterday (no editing—just read).

Step 2 (1 minute): Write down today’s scene or moment goal.

Step 3 (15 minutes): Write. No deleting, no second-guessing.

Step 4 (1 minute): Jot down tomorrow’s “next scene idea.”

Step 5 (1 minute): Celebrate. Out loud. Yes, even just “I wrote today!”

Final Thought: Small Progress Is Still Progress

Living a creative life is all about the process.

Some days you’ll write three pages. Some days, just a single line of dialogue. It all counts.

Progress in theater isn’t linear—it’s built in scenes, in stumbles, in sticky-note revelations.

So don’t wait for the perfect moment.

Don’t wait to feel ready.

Just write the next beat.

Your characters (and audiences) are waiting.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Want a free downloadable version of the Daily Show Builder Ritual of your own?

Let me know and I’ll send it your way.

Get the Daily Show Ritual Builder!

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New Works Festival

by Cate Cammarata | Jun 22, 2025 | Press, Theater

CreateTheater’s 4th Annual New Works Festival Features Eight New Plays And Musicals

CreateTheater, under the artistic direction of Off-Broadway producer Cate Cammarata, has announced the return of its annual New Works Festival. Now in its fourth year, the Festival is presenting three brand-new musicals and five original plays to the NYC theater community. The festival will take place at the MTC Creative Center from May 15 – 25, offering the industry a first look at stories that have been developed by the company.

Read the full article here

Protect Your Reputation

by Cate Cammarata | Jan 14, 2025 | Business, Community, Getting Produced, Theater

Note: This is the second in a three-part series this month in how to network, build and maintain important professional relationships in theater.

Your Reputation is Everything

In an industry built heavily on relationships and reputation, as a theatermaker, your reputation is everything.

You must present and maintain a professional ethos around you and your work, your collaborations, your work ethic and your aesthetics.

Networking is essential for all theatremakers to build connections, gain visibility, and create opportunities for themselves in the theater industry, but your reputation as a professional will sustain those opportunities over the long haul of your career.

Some Ways to Build and Maintain Your Reputation

First, I always say that the “work speaks for itself.” Always strive for excellence in your scripts, presentations, and in your collaborations. Your work may often be people’s first impression of you, so make sure to deliver and maintain high-quality work in everything you do or are associated with.

Second, make sure that your work ethic is professional. What do I mean by this?

Be reliable and punctual. Be prepared for your rehearsals. Show up on time for all rehearsals, meetings and events, where others often depend on you. The theater world values dependability and professional conduct.
Communicate professionally. Respond to emails promptly (my personal nemesis), do what you say you’ll do, respect other’s opinions and always clarify expectations in collaborations.
Be open and gracious to all feedback. Accept constructive criticism; listen, and use it to improve your craft. Remember this response, “Hmm, that’s interesting. Let me thing on that for a bit. Thank you.”
Be open to changes. When three different people point out the same scene with differing criticisms, you may have to look at that moment again with an open mind. Your audience is catching something that you should know. Nothing should be precious.
Always acknowledge the contributions of others and express gratitude for opportunities, advice and support. It’s a small sandbox, and everyone likes a team player.
Maintain your integrity at all times. Your honesty and transparency in your dealings with others in this industry will serve you well over your career. People have long memories, and everyone knows each other.
Support your peers. No one advances alone, and by attending others performances, readings, and workshops you’ll be making those collegial friendships that often pay off later in innumerable ways.
In other words, build relationships and meaningful connections in this industry, not transactions. People are never to be viewed as “stepping stones.”
It takes time. It always takes longer than you think, and costs more than you planned.

Respect other’s time and boundaries. As artists we never have enough time in our lives; understand that with every request you make of a colleague, you’re asking them to part with a precious bit of their time to give to you. Show your appreciation and accommodate their schedules.

Stay positive in your outlook. We all have bad days, even bad years (or decades). We may feel like a cloud of misfortune has permanently taken up residence in our life. Yet, still remember that we chose this life, and being a part of this industry isn’t easy. You may need to supplement your life (and income) with another pursuit for a while. Whatever you do, being a “Debbie Downer” will never help in doing anything except isolating you from others.

Finally, a pro keeps growing. Attend workshops, masterclasses, and seminars. Read books to spur your creativity or to learn something new. Demonstrate your commitment to learning and honing your skills. Not only will you be a more interesting person, this is how you meet other professionals who will respect your knowledge and experience.

Community is Important

You will be known by the company you keep. Make sure that your circle is known for their professional integrity and for their good work. One of the good things about adulthood is that we can choose with whom we spend our time and our collaborations.

Choose wisely.

And if you’re interested in learning more about the community here at CreateTheater, get on our email list to participate in our professional theater company.

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