Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers

by Thomas

• ISBN13: 9780240806624
• ISBN10: 024080662X
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-11-05
• Publisher: Elsevier Science

Summary

Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers 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. * "Postscripts for Action Analysis" in each chapter help students understand the main ideas or topics of the chapter so that they can mentally incorporate the details into the principles of Action Analysis newly added to the book. * Examples from wide selection of historical and modern plays, including Oedipus Rex, Hamlet, Tartuffe, The Wild Duck, The Hairy Ape, A Raisin in the Sun, and Happy Days and Angels in America * New typographical features help to make the text easier to read, separate dramatic dialogue from textbook material, and help students focus on new words and information.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Third Edition	xi
Preface to the Second Edition	xiii
Acknowledgments	xix
Introduction	xxi
What Is Formalist Script Analysis?	xxi
The Expressiveness of Dramatic Writing	xxxi
Analytical Reading	xxxiii
Logical Thinking	xxxv
Action Analysis	1	(26)
Sequence of Events	2	(3)
Reviewing the Facts	5	(1)
Seed	6	(6)
Three Major Climaxes	12	(6)
Theme	18	(1)
Super-Objective	19	(1)
Through-Action	20	(2)
Counter Through-Action	22	(1)
Summary	23	(1)
Questions	23	(2)
Postscript	25	(2)
Foundations of the Plot: Given Circumstances	27	(30)
Time	28	(7)
Place	35	(6)
Society	41	(7)
Economics	48	(2)
Politics and Law	50	(1)
Intellect and Culture	51	(1)
Spirituality	52	(1)
The World of the Play	53	(1)
Summary	54	(1)
Questions	55	(1)
Postscript for Action Analysis	56	(1)
Foundations of the Plot: Background Story	57	(24)
Technique	60	(5)
Identification	65	(14)
Summary	79	(1)
Questions	79	(1)
Postscript for Action Analysis	80	(1)
Plot: External and Internal Action	81	(36)
External Action	82	(16)
Internal Action	98	(16)
Summary	114	(1)
Questions	115	(1)
Postscript for Action Analysis	115	(2)
Plot: Progressions and Structure	117	(28)
Progressions	117	(17)
Structure	134	(9)
Summary	143	(1)
Questions	143	(1)
Postscript for Action Analysis	144	(1)
Character	145	(30)
Objectives	146	(3)
Qualities	149	(1)
Role Conflicts	150	(3)
Conflicts of Objectives	153	(1)
Willpower	154	(4)
Values	158	(4)
Personality Traits	162	(3)
Complexity	165	(1)
Relationships	166	(2)
Summary	168	(1)
Questions	169	(1)
Postscript for Action Analysis	170	(1)
Postscript for the Score of a Role	170	(5)
Idea	175	(26)
Idea in the Words	177	(9)
Idea in the Characters	186	(3)
Idea in the Plot	189	(5)
The Main Idea	194	(4)
Summary	198	(1)
Questions	198	(1)
Postscript for Action Analysis	199	(2)
Dialogue	201	(38)
Words	202	(3)
Sentences	205	(6)
Speeches	211	(8)
Special Qualities	219	(7)
Theatricality	226	(10)
Summary	236	(1)
Questions	237	(2)
Tempo, Rhythm, and Mood	239	(26)
Tempo	240	(15)
Rhythm	255	(5)
Mood	260	(3)
Summary	263	(1)
Questions	264	(1)
The Style of the Play	265	(28)
Given Circumstances	266	(5)
Background Story	271	(4)
Plot	275	(7)
Character	282	(3)
Idea	285	(2)
Dialogue	287	(2)
Mood	289	(1)
Summary	290	(1)
Questions	290	(3)
Conclusion A Final Word about Dramatic Form	293	(2)
Appendix A Supplementary Topics for Script Analysis	295	(6)
Appendix B Introduction to Genres and Styles of Drama	301	(14)
Bibliography	315	(8)
Index	323