Author Topic: Artistry: script analysis  (Read 5891 times)

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djemily

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Artistry: script analysis
« on: Jun 01, 2006, 10:58 pm »
Hey guys! I'm taking a Script Analysis class at school because it is required for my theatre minor. I was just wondering if any of you actually use the techniques we will be learning. Aka breaking down the script (other than scene breakdowns) into structures and stuff like that. (sorry I'm beng so vague, I really have no idea what I'm doing in the class and am pretty lost right now, but it's only day 2)  Any input or real life advice would be great. Thank you!!!

Emily
« Last Edit: Feb 11, 2008, 12:43 pm by PSMKay »

BalletPSM

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script analysis
« Reply #1 on: Jun 02, 2006, 12:11 am »
Quote
I was just wondering if any of you actually use the techniques we will be learning. Aka breaking down the script (other than scene breakdowns) into structures and stuff like that


Absolutely!  I've worked with several different directors who rely on this style -- during blocking they spend the first half hour breaking down the script into beats, naming those beats, and then blocking based on those beats.  As the stage manager, I write all of this down so later on in the rehearsal process when everyone says, "what were we thinking here?" I have something in writing to refer back to.  It's helpful to know where the director is coming from and what they are talking about -- you're only going to earn more of their trust.

As a stage manager I've discovered that any bit of craft and technique you can learn and pick up along with the way will inevitably help you at some point in your career!

Keep at it....I promise it will pay off at some point!
Stage managing is getting to do everything your mom told you not to do - read in the dark, sit too close to the TV, and play with the light switches!

Mac Calder

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script analysis
« Reply #2 on: Jun 02, 2006, 01:13 am »
As BalletPSM said, it is largely a directorial/actor thing - however as SM, it is our responsibility to understand the process.

I indicate beats etc on my script etc and breaks in the script - more to assist with calling. I usually use the music subdivision techniques I was taught when writing and counting beats (1 e & a 2). When I am writing a pause for X beats with nothing needs to be called I just write p(X).

All comes down the personal style I guess. Whatever works for you.

KC_SM_0807

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script analysis
« Reply #3 on: Jun 02, 2006, 02:15 am »
I took a Script Analysis class for my major, and you'd be amazed to how much it helps...even in other classes, like acting, scene design, etc., there is always talk of Script Analysis and how it relates to the design and that sort of thing.  To me, calling a show is all about the feeling.  You have to feel the cues and go with the flow of the show, and a lot of that has to do with you personally knowing the beats, the break downs, and the overall underlying analysis of the play.  It's helped me tremendously, and has also helped me in other classes as well!
"Perhaps, therefore, Stage Managers not only need to be calm and meticulous professionals who know their craft, but masochists who feel pride in rising above impossible odds."

JenniferEver

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Re: script analysis
« Reply #4 on: Jul 15, 2006, 10:02 am »
I was a drama major and I focused in Directing, so if you have anything specific, feel free to ask.

I think it can help a great deal as a SM, because as someone said you can "feel" the show better. I think it will mostly help in the professional worlf on longer runs when you are required to maintain the integrity of the director's vision. Something so simple as reminding an actor that there is a beat change at a certain point can be really helpful in terms of the acting and playability and reality.

I just realized this is an old thread. How did the class go?

djemily

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Re: script analysis
« Reply #5 on: Jul 15, 2006, 02:26 pm »
Thanks everyone for your help. I'm actually using things I learned in that class for a Spanish class I'm taking now. The class went well, and though I'm not too happy, I got a B, and quite a few people from my class have to take it again, so I feel lucky. And I really did learn alot!

 

riotous