Whatever you call them, they are the concrete results of the work performed when writing a play. While the final script is the ultimate deliverable, it's not the only one. Following, in roughly the order you will encounter them during the script development lifecycle, are the documents that may be created during the playwriting process.
Playwright's Notebook
This is where I keep all my play ideas, snippets of dialogue, character sketches, titles, and rough plot lines. When I reach the point where I'm ready to consider the next project, I start with this notebook.
Idea Evaluation
If there are multiple play ideas to choose from, some type of evaluation should be conducted to determine which idea has the most merit, is the most timely, carries the most current message, or has other criteria that deems it the one to work on next.
Scope Statement
This is where you lay down what you intend to do. It includes the genre (comedy, mystery, drama, etc.), length (full-length vs. one act), rough number of characters (I usually estimate in groups of five), and a 100-word synopsis that captures the idea.
The Work Plan
This is where you plan how you will work and put together a schedule of what work will occur in what order, and how long you think each piece will take.
Requirements
This is where the specific requirements and specifications are described, including the time period in which the play takes place, the specific number of scenes and their settings, and the set requirements.
Outline
This describes the different scenes and what occurs in each. It may also include an expected duration of each scene, to help keep track of how long the play will run.
Character Biographies
The playwright should know a lot more about each character than what ends up on the script. This is where you describe all of them for your own reference. Keep in mind that characters have been known to grow, change, and otherwise dictate who they are destined to be, in spite of the playwright's initial vision.
General Script Notes
This includes any thoughts, dialogue, characters, etc., that may occur to the playwright along the way. It can also be where notes are recorded during staged readings.
The First Draft
This is the first completion of the entire script.
Revised Drafts
These are the rewrites, based on the playwright's own readings, staged readings, or comments from other readers.
Properties and Costume List
Not required, but definitely an asset for theater companies considering the script.
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