SWBST
In the SWBST acronym, what does each letter stand for?
Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then
This word means "to make an action or process happen more quickly."
expedite
These are the three types of modifiers that help make scripts clearer and more descriptive.
adjectives, adverbs, and phrases
These two main tools work together to reveal your characters to the audience.
stage directions and dialogue
Capitalize this title correctly: "the dancing pizza slice"
The Dancing Pizza Slice
Identify the "But" element in this example:
Alex wanted to go on a run, but it was raining outside.
It was raining outside
If someone always sees the bright side of difficult situations, you might describe them as this type of person.
optimist
This type of modifier describes nouns and pronouns, such as the word "clenched" in "clenched fists."
adjectives
This stage direction helps reveal character through what kind of expression?
"DIONYSUS reads the play quickly, and gives a giant glistening smile"
facial expression
Fix the capitalization in this title: "mystery of the missing homework"
Mystery of the Missing Homework
Create the "So" element for this scenario:
"A student wanted to pass the test, but they hadn't studied." What might the student decide to do?
Ask for help, study with friends, request extra time (and other reasonable responses)
In Shakespeare's famous play "Hamlet,", there is a speech where a character speaks their thoughts aloud while alone on stage.
What is this this speech an example of?
soliloquy
Identify the adverb in this stage direction:
"ODYSSEUS stops abruptly and raises his arms.
abruptly
Stage directions might help establish this aspect of your play: showing where and when the action takes place.
setting
True or False: small connecting words like "and," "of," and "the" should NOT be capitalized in the middle of titles
TRUE
What's wrong with the "Then" in this SWBST example?
The detective wanted to solve the case, but the evidence kept disappearing, so she set a trap, then she caught the real culprit.
It doesn't show the final outcome/result. The "Then" should explain what happened after catching the culprit. (like "then she solved the case and got a medal from the mayor")
Complete this sentence:
The theater company decided to _______ with the local school district to create joint performances.
affiliate
Improve this weak stage direction by using an adverb.
"RADHA takes the trash out."
Accept responses that accurately use an adverb to modify "takes", adding descriptive detail to HOW Radha takes out the trash.
Ex: Grumpily, Reluctantly, Cheerfully, Wearily, Hurriedly
Complete this stage direction to show a VISUAL CUE:
HERMES sees the sleeping guard blocking the door, so he _______ to wake him up.
"taps his shoulder" "waves his hand in front of his face" "whistles loudly" (or other single, specific physical action)
True or False: You should always capitalize the FIRST and LAST words a title.
TRUE
Analyze this SWBST: "A baker wanted to make cookies, but he loves baking, so he worked all day, then he made delicious cookies."
Which element of SWBST is being used incorrectly? How might you re-write it?
The But. It doesn't create an obstacle: it supports his goal instead of blocking it. It should be something like "but he ran out of flour" or "but the oven broke"
Choose the best word to complete this sentence:
"During the group project, Marcus became a real _______ because he never showed up to meetings and always argued with the team's decisions."
liability
Read the stage direction. Then, identify one adjective and one adverb AND the word that each modifier describes.
The mighty ZEUS angrily hurls thunderbolts across the dark stormy sky.
adjective: "mighty" (describes Zeus), "dark" (describes sky), or "stormy" (describes sky)
adverb: "angrily" (describes how Zeus hurls),
Which of these shows dialogue?
A) HERMES flies across the stage
B) HERMES: I must deliver this message!
C) HERMES looks worried)
B: HERMES: I must deliver this message!
Fix the capitalization: three brave hamsters and the great escape
Three Brave Hamsters and the Great Escape