I wrote the original version of this post in 2011. Have things changed with play writing software? Is there any new software that are exclusively made for playwrights?
A. Play writing software for 2019
I found a lot more ideas on the Internet on software that you can use to write a play than I did eight years ago.
For example, I found a discussion on Reddit where people are suggesting software, though not solely made for playwriting, that can be used to write a stage play.
So, here is a new list of play writing software for 2019, based on my new research. By the way, if you are one of the tech-savvy playwrights, you could let me know what software I am missing.
B. Scrivener
It you are not a Robinson-Crusoe-style playwright living in a desert island, you already heard of it. It is a de-facto standard software for writing a novel.
However, Scrivener is not only for novel writing. You can use it to write a non-fiction, screenplay and also a stage play.
As you can see, it has two templates for stage play, UK an US versions.
C. Writer Duet
After six years since its release in 2013, writer duet looks great with its online and off line supports and a card screen.
You can write a stage play by customizing the screenplay template. Check out more information on the FAQ page.
D. Final Draft
This industry standard script writing software also supports stage play writing. Its support page says that Final draft has several stageplay templates.
E. Fade In
Fade In is also mentioned by people as a software for writing plays. Just like above-mentioned software, it has templates for stage play.
F. Celtx
Celtx covers a wide range of writing projects including film, video, documentary, theatre, and novels.
Check out this post by a playwright using Celtx to write plays.
G. Fountain
This must be the only free software covered in this post. Technically, it is not a stand-alone software but a markup language plugin for screenwriting and play writing.
You can use it with other writing software like Google Docs, TextMate, iaWriter, or vim.