Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers

by Thomas, James Michael

• ISBN13: 9780240803364
• ISBN10: 0240803361
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-11-01
• Publisher: Focal Pr

Summary

Based on the premise that plays are objects of study in and of themselves, Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers, teaches a traditional system of classifications that examines the written part of a play, excluding such considerations as performance, scenery, or costuming. This book applies directly to the experience of theatrical production; students will immediately be able to relate the concepts and procedures they learn to their artistic work. The author's procedural method is detailed and precise. The parts of a play are learned progressively, which fosters an understanding of the concept of artistic unity. Examples are clear and comprehensive. Actors, directors, and designers will benefit from end-of-chapter questions and summaries meant to stimulate their creative process as they engage in production work. An updated appendix includes introductions to additional critical theories in widest use today. Examples from contemporary theatre, including three plays written since 1990, bring this edition completely up-to-date.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi	(4)
Acknowledgments	xv	(2)
Introduction	xvii
What Is Formalist Script Analysis?	xvii	(5)
Expressiveness of Dramatic Writing	xxii	(1)
Analytical Reading	xxiii	(1)
Logical Thinking	xxiv
1 Foundations of the Plot: Given Circumstances	1	(22)
Time	2	(4)
Place	6	(4)
Society	10	(5)
Economics	15	(2)
Politics and Law	17	(1)
Intellect and Culture	17	(1)
Spirituality	18	(1)
The World of the Play	19	(1)
Summary	20	(1)
Questions	21	(2)
2 Foundations of the Plot: Background Story	23	(16)
Technique	25	(4)
Identification	29	(9)
Summary	38	(1)
Questions	38	(1)
3 Plot: Physical and Psychological Action	39	(22)
Physical Action (The External Plot)	39	(10)
Psychological Action (The Internal Plot)	49	(11)
Summary	60	(1)
Questions	60	(1)
4 Plot: Progressions and Structure	61	(20)
Progressions	61	(12)
Structure	73	(6)
Summary	79	(1)
Questions	80	(1)
5 Character	81	(20)
Objectives	82	(2)
Dramatic Action	84	(2)
Conflict	86	(3)
Willpower	89	(3)
Values	92	(3)
Personality Traits	95	(1)
Complexity	96	(2)
Relationships	98	(1)
Summary	99	(1)
Questions	100	(1)
6 Idea	101	(19)
Words	102	(7)
Characters	109	(3)
Plot	112	(3)
The Main Idea	115	(3)
Summary	118	(1)
Questions	119	(1)
7 Dialogue	120	(20)
Words	121	(2)
Sentences	123	(4)
Speeches	127	(6)
Special Qualities	133	(5)
Theatricality	138	(6)
Summary	144	(1)
Questions	144	(2)
8 Tempo, Rhythm, and Mood	146	(18)
Tempo	147	(9)
Rhythm	156	(4)
Mood	160	(3)
Summary	163	(1)
Questions	163	(1)
9 The Style of the Play	164	(23)
Given Circumstances	165	(4)
Background Story	169	(3)
Plot	172	(5)
Characters	177	(3)
Idea	180	(1)
Dialogue	181	(2)
Mood	183	(1)
A Final Word	183	(1)
Summary	184	(1)
Questions	184	(3)
Appendix A: Supplementary Topics for Script Analysis	187	(3)
Appendix B: Introduction to Genres and Styles of Drama	190	(11)
Genres	190	(4)
Styles	194	(7)
Selected Bibliography	201	(6)
Index	207