Buying used or vintage play scripts on eBay

A Guide for Actors

Most actors  have been through at least a few auditions or acting classes. Some auditions and most acting classes will require the actor to prepare a monologue or scene from a stage play. Because of this, many actors will have a sizable collection of used play scripts. These used scripts often eventually find their way to eBay. When an actor outgrows a certain role, or simply tires of a certain script, then it might be time to sell that script. If for no other reason, it at least makes room on the bookshelf for new scripts.

When purchasing a used script, you obviously want to consider the title and / or the playwright. But assuming you know which play you want to purchase, you next need to consider what type of script it is. Is it an acting edition or a regular softcover paperback book?

Acting Edition Scripts

Samuel French and Dramatists Play Service are the two biggest publishers of new acting edition scripts, but they are not the only ones. An acting edition stage script has more margin space and often weighs less than a regular paperback book. They will also have a royalty information page near the beginning that tells theater producers who to contact to obtain performance rights. Acting edition scripts will often include any major staging or blocking notes from either the original New York or London productions. They very often have a drawing of the set design, and lists of props and costumes needed to perform the play. These scripts are usually sold in specialty stores that cater to actors, or they are ordered online. The average list cost of a new acting edition script is in the $7.50 range. Expect a used copy on eBay to sell for less than half of that.

Regular Softcover (Paperback) Edition Scripts

Regular softcover (or paperback) editions of scripts are printed by regular mainstream book publishers and are sold in regular retail book stores. Most major publishers have at least a small portion of their catalogs devoted to theater books. These books are marketed not just to the actor, but also to the average reader, sometimes as a keepsake souvenir for people who saw the play live. Some people just like to read plays because they are a quicker read than novels. Most softcover editions of play scripts will have either the play's poster or a photograph from the Broadway production on the front cover. These books tend to be a little taller than the average mass market paperback. The cover is usually glossy. If someone famous is in the original cast, then you can also expect a few glossy photographs to be included inside. These editions are printed on nicer paper. The average cost of a new softcover play script is in the $10.00 to $20.00 price range. Expect a used softcover edition on eBay to sell for around 50% to 75% off the original price.

Most major new Broadway plays will be published in both an acting edition and a softcover edition. However, the acting edition is usually not available until after the original Broadway production has closed. The more expensive softcover edition is sometimes the only way an actor can get a script of a current Broadway play.

Once you have chosen a play and you know what type of script it is, the next thing to consider is the condition.

Used Script Condition

Many used scripts are marked by the actors that used them. Many actors will underline their lines or mark them with a highlight marker. This helps some actors with line memorization. It also helps actors to quickly see how much time (or how many pages) until they speak again. Many actors will also write their specific stage directions or character notes in the margins. That way everything an actor needs to memorize for a scene or monologue will be on the same page.

However, a marked script is often harder to re-sell. A script with a lot of blocking notes written in the margins in ink, will not have enough space for a second actor to write new notes. Some actors don't mind a marked up script, because it can give the new actor some ideas not previously considered. If you are either an actor that does not need to write blocking notes on a script page, or a non-actor that just wants to read a play script, then a used script is the way to go. Used scripts sell for much less than new scripts. When buying a used script, be sure you understand how "used" it is - are the marks and notes on just one scene, or are they on the every line of a certain character? How many pages are affected? If an auction description is too vague, ask the seller about the condition before bidding.

If you are buying a used script, another thing to look for in the item description is the state of the binding. Scripts often get handled a little rougher than the average book. It is not uncommon for an actor to open a script all the way so that the front and back covers are now touching. This way an actor can hold the script in one hand while rehearsing. Scripts also get tossed around and even stuffed into pockets when an actor needs to free up both hands for a certain blocking action. This does put a strain on a script binding. Rough handling can also cause the page corners to become frayed or rounded.

Dirt marks and stains are sometimes an issue with used scripts. Theatre stages are dusty and dirty places. That dirt gets on an actor's hands. Mix that dirt with an actor's sweat (some people sweat through their hands - especially if they have a reason to be nervous) and the resulting mess will find its way to a script page. If an actor studies a script during a lunch break, then all sorts of other stains can end up on the page as well. If a new script gets wet or oily, it can cause the crisp new pages to become weathered and thin.

Now if you have selected a script you like, and you understand (and are okay with) the condition of the script, then it is time to purchase it.

Time to Purchase

If you are an actor that needs to study a script for an upcoming audition, then you will want an expedited shipping service such as Express Mail or at least Priority Mail. Does the eBay seller offer that? Most eBay sellers ship via the U.S. Post Office. If time is an issue, you should avoid Media mail. I have sold hundreds of books on eBay, and I always offer Priority Mail as a shipping option. However, for a lower-priced option I also offer either either First-Class or Media Mail (depending on the weight). First-Class shipping cannot weigh over 12 ounces including the packaging. If it does, then it cannot be sent First-Class. I sometimes have to offer Media Mail, but I don't like to ship items via Media Mail because I know how long it takes. USPS says it can take 7 days, but if a package is going all the way across the country (I am in California), it sometimes takes more than 2 weeks for a package to arrive via Media mail. I always include delivery confirmation with every eBay sale. That way a buyer can look up the status of the shipment online. If time is not an issue, than Media Mail is okay.