From ‘Page to Stage’ – Exploring scripted Drama

As actors presented with a script to perform, there are a number of

different things for you to consider to transform those two-
dimensional words into a living, breathing three-dimensional
performance. We start by searching for information provided to us
by the playwright, and then move into interpreting the characters
and the action to make additional choices.

1. Read the script given to you by your teacher.

2. In your logbook, write a one page (minimum) response to this script answering the following
questions in full sentences:

Identify the title of your script at the top of your logbook page.

* Who are the characters in this script? Provide as much information as possible
based on the script itself. Consider qualities such as age, personality, nationality,
values, attitudes and try to include a comment on each.
* What information is provided about the place where this script is set? Draw on particular
lines of dialogue or stage directions and quote them in your answer.
* What is the main source of tension in this script? Is there more than one?
* Which part of this script could create the moment of greatest tension on stage? Explain
why you have chosen this.
* What are three unanswered questions that you have about the characters or the
action in the script? There could be some questions that this script doesn’t give you answers
to. As an audience member, what would you want to find out more about as the play went
on?
* How important would the stage directions be to a group of actors trying to stage this
script? Are the stage directions significant? Could this be staged effectively without drawing
on the directions?
* What is one decision you would make about interpreting these characters or the action
in the script? Imagine you are a director trying to bring this script to life. Would you
interpret any of the characters in a certain way? Would you emphasise certain aspects of
their personality? Would you approach staging the action in a certain way?

Your logbook page should end up looking like the one over the page. You can use the headings for
each of the questions that I have provided for you to save you writing them out.
 Exploring scripted Drama: Title of script

CHARACTERS

PLACE

SOURCE OF TENSION

GREATEST MOMENT OF TENSION

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

STAGE DIRECTIONS

INTERPRETATION