Parts of a Script
Introduction
You have a script--but how do you read it? This guide will break down the elements of a script and how actors, directors, and designers use it to create theatrical productions.
Terminology
- Acts: Sections of a play or musical which are usually divided by an intermission.
- Intermission: Also sometimes known as the interval, the intermission is a short break between parts of a production.
- Props: Short for properties; props are everything in a show that are not part of the set, costumes, or lighting/sound. They may be personal props (used by a specific actor) or general stage dressing.
- Scene: A segment of action and dialogue between two or more characters within a play.
- Script: The story that has been written for actors to perform
- Stage Directions: Information in the play, included by the playwright, that identifies staging, characterization, blocking, or technical requirements for a script.
Context & Analysis
When you begin rehearsals for a show, you will be provided with a script. They are essential so that everyone involved in a theatre production can learn the story and do their role in sync, both onstage and behind the scenes. There is no strict format for the layout of theatre scripts, but they all roughly follow the same pattern. The first thing you usually see is a list
to read our learning module for Parts of a Script and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!StageAgent Resources
Guides
Theatre Basics:
Performing Skills:
Playwriting:
Blog Posts
Links & Media
Quizzes
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher