Hello
I wanted to try something new to expand my writing abilities....I have decided to write a screenplay or play....I know I might seem dumb but I have never worked with plays and First thing I was wondering was is there a difference between a play and a screenplay. And any other advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you very much.

To write something, the best way is to write something that you have expeirenced.

I don't know what you would consider this but me and a few friends are planning to TRY to act it out with a camera not an actual movie though so you would consider that a......(screenplay/stageplay?)

The first thing to remember when writing a play is that yes, there is a *big* difference between writing for the stage and writing for the screen. In a play, you as the writer have to let your actors tell a story the story through words/actions/dance/ect. without relying on the advantage of special effects and sight gags that lend themselves to movies. When writing the script, you have to remember that the backdrop changes far less than the setting of a movie would, and thus your characters have to reflect that.
another important point in writing a play is that you have to remember to write as people speak. that is a common mistake in books and plays because you are thinking as a writer at the computer. remember that when people watch your play or read it, they are actually listening to people speak. hold true to dialects, slang, etc. because it will help the audiance identify the characters.
also, don't forget stage directions. a lot of times people leave the stage notes to the director or whatever and then that person will lose what you had intended for your character. don't get to specific, but make sure you include actions and movements that you as the creater would expect from the people you created.

i hope this helps. i have written a lot of plays in the last few years and this is what i have found most helpful. good luck and have fun with your play!