ARTICLE: The Impending Death (?) of the Paper Play Script

[dallas10086]

http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/06-2014/scriptopia-and-the-impending-death-of-paper-play_68834.html

They admit that the system isn't going to be that much help for SMs or those doing musicals, but it's a promising step towards a paperless system.

[babens]

I have to admit that I know far too many actors who would probably not be happy to be rehearsing with a script on their iPad or other table, and I wouldn't blame them.  I can only imagine that worrying about not dropping or damaging their expensive electronics would ultimately prove a hindrance to the blocking and staging process.

[loebtmc]

agreed = and the many actors who DO write their blocking and take notes (and add in directors notes) will not be happy.

But most of all, it would make me nuts to run rehearsal or a show w no paper script. Tracking all the versions of blocking, verbiage going in and out, jumping around, all are easier with paper. During tech, going Q2Q and moving things around. During the run - jumping between pages (finding the spot if an actor jumps, or if the next cue is several pages ahead so I have flagged my s/b), or calling from a booth where I need it super dark to see and only want my tiny pin light (which sometimes is turned off) to call.....and the many, many times technology has failed and I have had to rely on old school techniques and quick wits - all those reasons and so many more make me want to always have access to a hard copy i can write in.

[MatthewShiner]

Stopping rehearsal because of the battery running out

Not being able to stuff it in an pocket

THE COST of EVERYONE having the same tablet . . . the same software.

Who covers the cost of a broken tablet?

Transferring of notes and blocking could be an impossible nightmare.

[PSMKay]

Show me a digital format that has been proven to be a) lockable b) pervasive and c) around for over 20 years and I'll consider endorsing it for stage management use. Oh, and show me a digital storage media format that can last and remain accessible for 10+ years.

Scripts for SM purposes must be archive-worthy and ensure both venue transferability and an easy learning curve for any old schmoe picking up the prompt book. Not "I'll be able to use this after I read the helpfile and spend an hour figuring out where everything is." Rather, "Oh crap our SM's appendix burst and it's curtain in 15 minutes."

A few years ago I suggested creating a standard archival format for digital prompt books. I stand by that suggestion.

[babens]

I'm all for ways to create a digital prompt book for long running shows, but it also needs to be able to then be printed out.  For me the purpose of digitizing is to create a clean, readable copy that I can hand off to anyone.  I still have no desire to call a show from a tablet or computer screen.