A flash drama is a short play that can last anywhere from a few seconds to ten minutes. While it lends itself to a variety of formats, it does share some common characteristics, such as limited characters, setting, and technical design. While its brief format resembles a sketch or a skit, a flash drama has several distinguishing characteristics that distinguish it as a distinct genre. Schools and community groups enjoy this type of stage play as well.
This style comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It could last one minute or ten, and the size of the cast and the subject matter could be anything. However, because of its brief nature, it usually takes place in a single location and at a single time. However, blocking and lighting can be used to suggest time or location jumps.
Because the set is either non-existent or minimal, the play’s world is established through dialogue, blocking, and acting. Because a flash drama is a low-budget or no-budget theatrical production, technical elements such as sound, lighting, and video are usually limited as well. There are no set parameters for how dependent or tech-heavy a show can be in this format.
A flash drama is not the same as a sketch or skit. Sketches usually feature broadly drawn characters with stock or archetypal qualities tackling a specific problem or situation, with only a deus ex machina, a last-minute twist out of his or her control, allowing them to succeed. In a sketch, characters rarely go on a journey or change, whereas in a well-written flash drama, characters have distinct personalities and strong desires. The protagonist faces challenges in order to achieve his or her objectives, and whether the protagonist succeeds or fails, the events usually change him or her in some way. As a result, short dramas must be written succinctly and carefully in order to include all necessary elements in a limited amount of time.
Because they provide a greater variety of roles and situations, schools and community theaters frequently present a series of several flash dramas in one evening. A large-cast, two-act show may necessitate double casting and fail to utilize the entire talent pool, whereas a flash drama series allows small groups of students or artists to collaborate. A short play also takes much less time to put on, with rehearsals lasting only one or two sessions for very short pieces. Longer shows are usually rehearsed for several weeks or months. This schedule allows students and artists with other commitments to participate in a production more easily.