Actors Sprint 1

ACTORS 2/6

Text Analysis is the process by which one translates the play on the page into the actions of the actor. The majority of actors are really pretty bad at doing it, and it is virtually unknown as a skill in high school theatre. It seems to be uncreative, even boring, but it is one of the those theatre skills that relies more on work than talent, and anyone who has some ability to parse out a script automatically becomes a more competitive actor, but also a better director and generally more useful in any performance situation.

This work requires writing. I keep this sort of stuff in a notebook and I’d prefer you do the same. If you don’t, at least keep everything you write together in a folder. Bring your scene notes and your script to class everyday this week. Should you forget either, you’re out.

We’re working with a wonderful television play, Native Dancer, by David Shaw.

Gentleman: you’re analyzing the script for Max Binder and Oscar Miller
Ladies: you’re analyzing the script for Shirley Kochendorfer and Francis

In short, you’re each analyzing a major and a minor character.

Here is the process you will follow:
1) Read the script straight through;
Work through the script, writing down anything you figure out or that is said about the character;
Break the script into French Scenes (I did this one for you), numbering each French Scene;
A French Scene is an arbitrary division made in a scene. Whenever the characters go into a new room, or a new character enters, that will generally mean a new French Scene is happening.
For each French Scene write the following information down in your notes;
What’s the environment/Where is it set?
Who’s in the scene;
Include only major characters. Lump minor characters together.
What is happening between the characters?
Characters NEVER talk. They argue, fight, make-up, court, etc., but they never simply talk;
What are the characters doing?
Again, they never talk. Describe with VERBS. Don’t mention emotions.

Attached is a script. I’ve broken the first few pages into French Scenes for you (you have to do the rest of the script) and I’ve done step 4 of the first French Scene as an example.

This is enough for the first day. Bring all your work, completed, to class tomorrow so I can check it all over. Don’t forget to do the sheet of terms too. That’s due Tuesday Night.


SCENE 1

Analysis for Shirley:
What’s the environment/Where is it set?
Drug store/Soda fountain/diner in NYC, day, the 1950’s
Shirley is behind the counter in a cooking area - it’s hot and cramped back there.

Who’s in the scene;
Shirley the short order cook, Francis the waitress

What is happening between the characters?
They’re kind of fighting in a frustrated, friendly way.

What are the characters doing?
Shirley is cooking slowly and day dreaming a lot, and practicing her dancing.




Analysis for Francis:
What’s the environment/Where is it set?
Drug store/Soda fountain/diner in NYC, day, the 1950’s
Francis is “on the floor” — tables and people everywhere

Who’s in the scene;
Francis the waitress, Shirley the short order cook

What is happening between the characters?
They’re kind of fighting in a frustrated, friendly way.

What are the characters doing?
Francis is bugging Shirley to work faster.