Drama 30
Director’s Prompt
Prepared by:
Quiz: define each term. ANSWER SHEET
1. CUE TO CUE: the focus is on setting and running the technical cues.
No actors are required
2. BLOCKING REHEARSAL: the focus is on establishing movement
patterns and placement
3. DRESS REHEARSAL: a non-stop rehearsal that involves all
elements of the production minus the audience
4. POLISHING REHEARSAL: the focus is on timing, pacing of acts
and full runs of the show
5. PICK-UP REHEARSAL: the focus is on the remounting of a
production
6. TABLEWORK REGEARSAL: the focus is on script reading and
discussion to interpretive purposes
7. TECHNICAL REHEARSAL: the focus is on the incorporation of all
technical aspects of the production with the actors.
8. WORKING REHEARSAL: the focus is on the creation of business
and development of characters both physically and emotionally
9. RISING ACTION: the detailed struggle of the characters to overcome
the action
10. SEQUENCE: the lying together of blocking on stage using space,
it is rhythm in composition, distances, figures or groups on stage
11. STABILITY: the element of composition that pulls or lies down
the picture on the stage both continuing and defining the space
12. TABLEAU: individual pair or group makes a stationary pose or
picture that communicates an idea, and emotion or tells a story
Guidelines for Directing Unit
As drama 30 students you will be required to
prepare and present a scene directed and chosen
by yourself. There will be numerous
requirements, which will include the following
1.Concept description
2.Casting guidelines and completion
3.Prompt book layout
4.Set design guidelines
5.Set design model
6.Script breakdown
7.Light cues
8.Sound cues
9.Daily rehearsal procedures, journal of
development
10. End of show review
11. Scene presentation
Your final mark will reflect your work activity
through this project
Scene Evaluation
Number: Student: Class:
Title: Author:
Source:
Characters in the scene: (be sure to include the name, gender, age and a brief description)
Scene Action: (describe what happens in the beginning, middle, and end – determine the type
of conflict - -perhaps rising action etc. in point form)
Motifs of symbolism within the scene:
Theme chosen for the scene:
There are qualities that you MUST have in order for a character to fulfill your concept. Using the
informational sheet below, identify two or three qualities for each character.
Character: Actor Chosen:
Character musts: (Complete 2 – 3)
Character: Actor Chosen:
Character musts: (Complete 2 – 3)
Character: Actor Chosen:
Character musts: (Complete 2 – 3)
Set Design Below
Use the space below to provide a visual of your set design.
Describe the feeling the audience should get the moment they walk into
the theatre and encounter your set design.
List any props you may need:
Script Breakdown
1. FRENCH CUTTING
This breaks a script into parts based on when characters leaver or
enter into a scene
2. BEATS
This breaks the scene down into parts depending on what the
character is doing or talking about
3. OBJECTIVES/ MOTIVATION
This breaks the script down into parts based on what the characters
are trying to get from their partner
Use a combination of these units to discover the breakdowns in your
script. Follow the process below.
1. Read the script over several times
2. Identify where the key changes occur
3. As a hint, if there is a pause a change of topic, an emotional
outburst, key changes in action, entrances or exits of characters, it
is likely there is a new unit
4. Name each unit based on what is going on between the characters
or what the action is (For example you mat say, “Living on skid
row”)
5. Identify what is going on in each unit (action) and which
characters are involved.
6. Identify the loudest moment in each unit and/ or the quietest (This
will ensure that the scene had emotional movement)
7. Identify (with your actors) what each character wants to achieve
from their partner in each unit and various techniques he/ she will
use to get it
***Hand in a copy of your script with FRENCH CUTTTING, BEATS
& OBJECTIVES/ MOTIVATIONS***
Scene Structure
It is important to build a climax and a sense of increase and decrease into your script. Detail each
part within your script.
Exposition:
Initial Incident:
Rising Action:
CLIMAX:
Falling Action:
Resolution:
CUE SHEET
CUE COUNT SCENE STAGE LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Directors Journal of Rehearsal Procedures
Date: Director:
Scene:
Activities:
Outcomes:
Future Actions:
Directors Journal of Rehearsal Procedures
Date: Director:
Scene:
Activities:
Outcomes:
Future Actions:
Directors Journal of Rehearsal Procedures
Date: Director:
Scene:
Activities:
Outcomes:
Future Actions:
Directors Journal of Rehearsal Procedures
Date: Director:
Scene:
Activities:
Outcomes:
Future Actions:
Directors Journal of Rehearsal Procedures
Date: Director:
Scene:
Activities:
Outcomes:
Future Actions:
Directors Journal of Rehearsal Procedures
Date: Director:
Scene:
Activities:
Outcomes:
Future Actions:
Director End of Show Review
As a director it is important to identify strength of your presentation and to become
aware of things you would do different in the future. In the space provided you are
to reflect on the final presentation and the rehearsal process of your scene. Be sure
to provide clear examples from your experience to justify or support your opinions.
