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SCRIPT ANALYSIS NOTES

A detailed note on script analysis in drama

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Omotesho David Olakunle
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15 views9 pages

SCRIPT ANALYSIS NOTES

A detailed note on script analysis in drama

Uploaded by

Omotesho David Olakunle
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Exploring Scripted Drama: Detailed Student Notes and Worksheets

These notes are designed to guide Year 8 students through the lessons on
exploring scripted drama. Each section includes:

1. Key Vocabulary and Definitions

2. Guidance on Concepts

3. Class Activities

4. Worksheets

Lesson 1: Introduction to Text Analysis

Key Vocabulary:

Play Structure: The organization of a play, including acts, scenes, dialogue,


and stage directions.

Theme: The central idea or message explored in a play.


Excerpt: A selected portion of a play.

Stage Directions: Instructions in the text that guide actors' movements,


expressions, or settings.

Understanding Text Analysis:

When analyzing a play text:

1. Read the excerpt aloud: This helps to understand the rhythm, tone, and
pace of the dialogue.

2. Identify the structure: Break the text into acts and scenes to locate key
moments.

3. Explore themes: Look for recurring ideas or messages in the dialogue and
actions.

4. Pay attention to stage directions: These guide the actors’ movements and
emotions, helping to bring the script to life.
Worksheet for Lesson 1

Task 1: Match the term to its definition.

| Term | Definition |
|---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| Play Structure | Instructions for actors about movement, emotion, or


setting. |

| Theme | The central idea or message of the play.


|

| Excerpt | A selected portion of a play. |

| Stage Directions | The organization of a play into acts, scenes, dialogue,


and stage directions.|

Task 2: Read the provided excerpt and answer:

1. What is the main theme of the excerpt?

2. Highlight any stage directions and explain how they help visualize the
scene.

Lesson 2: Exploring Objectives and Motivation

Key Vocabulary:
Objective: What a character wants to achieve in a scene or play.

Motivation: The reason behind a character’s actions or desires.

Obstacles: Challenges or conflicts that prevent a character from achieving


their objective.

Strategies: The methods or approaches a character uses to overcome


obstacles.

Understanding Objectives and Motivation:

Every character in a play has a purpose.

1. Objective: Think about what the character wants in the scene.

2. Motivation: Consider why the character wants it.

3. Obstacles: Identify what or who is stopping the character.

4. Strategies: Explore how the character plans to achieve their goal.


Worksheet for Lesson 2

Task 1: Fill in the table for the given excerpt.

| Character | Objective | Motivation | Obstacle |


Strategy |

|---------------|-------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------|-------
-----------------------|

| Example: Sidi | To impress Lakunle | She wants to feel valued | Lakunle


criticizes her choices| Uses wit to challenge him |

Task 2: Write a short paragraph analyzing one character’s objectives and


motivations.

Lesson 3: Understanding Subtext

Key Vocabulary:

Subtext: The underlying meaning or unspoken message in dialogue.

Implicit Meaning: Information or feelings suggested but not directly stated.

Tension: A sense of conflict or suspense in a scene.

Interpretation: The way an actor or director chooses to convey meaning.


Understanding Subtext:

Subtext is what the character really means but does not say explicitly.

1. Read between the lines: Look for clues in tone, gestures, or pauses.

2. Identify unspoken emotions: What is the character feeling but not saying?

3. Explore tension: How do the words and subtext create conflict or


suspense?

Worksheet for Lesson 3

Task 1: Highlight lines from the text where subtext is evident. Explain what
the character might be thinking or feeling.

| Line from the Text | Subtext (Unspoken Meaning) |

|------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|

| Example: “I’m fine, really.” | The character feels upset but doesn’t want
to admit it. |

Task 2: Perform a short scene, focusing on delivering subtext through tone


and body language.
Lesson 4: Synthesizing Themes, Objectives, and Subtext

Key Vocabulary:

Synthesis: Combining different elements to form a whole.

Performance Choices: Decisions made by actors about how to portray


characters.

Blocking: The planned movement and positioning of actors on stage.

Collaboration: Working together to achieve a shared goal.

Understanding Synthesis in Drama:

When preparing a performance:

1. Combine all elements: Use your knowledge of themes, objectives, and


subtext to develop your character.

2. Plan blocking: Decide where to stand, move, or gesture to enhance your


delivery.
3. Work as a team: Share ideas and rehearse collaboratively to create a
seamless performance.

Worksheet for Lesson 4

Task 1: Complete the performance planning sheet.

| Element | Your Plan |

|--------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| Theme | What message do you want to convey?


|

| Objectives | What does your character want?


|

| Subtext | What emotions or thoughts are unspoken?


|

| Blocking | Where will you stand, move, or gesture?


|

Task 2: Reflect on your performance:

1. What worked well in your delivery?

2. What would you improve next time?


Tips for Students:

1. Review your scripts carefully: Annotate lines with notes on objectives,


subtext, and blocking.

2. Practice with peers: Use rehearsal time to test different interpretations.

3. Be open to feedback: Listen to suggestions and refine your performance


accordingly.

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