What makes an actor compelling on stage?
Script Analysis is the beginning of scene work. It is where we make decisions about the character. These decisions may change or evolve into better choices throughout rehearsal but actors must start somewhere. There are many ways to analyze a script or break down a character. We are going to examine the script by selecting an objective that states what our character wants from the other character. This is stated in one sentence using action verbs.
Objective Statement
Objective statements are crafted using the 3 components below:
ACTION VERB: A verb that can actually describe something you can do to someone else
RECEIVER: The other character in the scene
DESIRED RESPONSE: What you want from the receiver
You join the three components below into one sentence that resembles the following:
I want to (ACTION VERB) (RECIPIENT) to (DESIRED RESPONSE).
Here is an example of how the sentence should be written:
I want to force Cindy to understand that I am innocent.
This sentence, strategically crafted, becomes our guide throughout the entire scene. Forming these sentences takes time and careful attention to what is happening with the character. The most common mistake made when creating these sentences is using the right verb.
There are verbs you can use and verbs you cannot use. Linking verbs such as be and become are not actable. You can't "be" but you can force, seduce, intimidate, etc. Below is a list of appropriate verbs that can be used.
ACTION VERB: A verb that can actually describe something you can do to someone else
RECEIVER: The other character in the scene
DESIRED RESPONSE: What you want from the receiver
You join the three components below into one sentence that resembles the following:
I want to (ACTION VERB) (RECIPIENT) to (DESIRED RESPONSE).
Here is an example of how the sentence should be written:
I want to force Cindy to understand that I am innocent.
This sentence, strategically crafted, becomes our guide throughout the entire scene. Forming these sentences takes time and careful attention to what is happening with the character. The most common mistake made when creating these sentences is using the right verb.
There are verbs you can use and verbs you cannot use. Linking verbs such as be and become are not actable. You can't "be" but you can force, seduce, intimidate, etc. Below is a list of appropriate verbs that can be used.
Actable Verbs & Non-Actable Verbs
See page 10 for a list of ACTABLE verbs. Analyze the list of existential, intellectual, behavioral, etc. verbs that are not actable.
Objective Statement Format
I want to _________________ RECEIVER to __________________.
Fill in the blanks using your scene.
Fill in the blanks using your scene.