Who’s in Charge?
The script says: "[A sudden flash of lightning illuminates the empty chair.]" Who is responsible for the timing of this bright, quick light cue?
The Lighting Technician
If a character "grips the handle of his sword and stands facing them," what is his mood?
Angry, defensive, or ready for a fight.
Why would a character be "tight-lipped but expressionless" while being accused of a crime?
To avoid giving away the truth or to show they are stubborn.
The stage direction reads: [The sound of a heavy tropical downpour drums against the tin roof, drowning out the characters' whispers.] Based on the "tin roof" and "tropical downpour," what can you infer about the geographical setting of this play?
The play is likely set in a Caribbean or tropical region in a modest or rural home.
The script says: "[The two rivals stand at opposite ends of the long dinner table.]" Who decides how far apart the actors stand to show the distance between them?
The Director
A character is told to "avoid eye contact and fiddle with their car keys." What is their likely mood?
Nervous, guilty, or anxious to leave.
An actor "grips the handle of his sword" but doesn't pull it out. What does this tell us about his self-control?
He is angry but waiting for the right moment (he is disciplined).
onsider this sequence: [The protagonist bursts through the front door, gasping for air. She is soaking wet, her dress is torn at the hem, and she leaves a trail of muddy footprints across the clean rug.] As a detective, explain what most likely happened to this character just thirty seconds before the curtains opened.
She was likely being chased through a storm or rough terrain (like a forest or swamp) and had to struggle to get away and find safety.
The script says: "[He slowly fades into the shadows at the back of the stage.]" Who must work the equipment to make sure the character disappears from view?
The Lighting Technician
A character "stands perfectly still while everyone else is panicking." What intent does this show the audience about this person's character?
They are in control, cold-hearted, or perhaps in deep shock.
If a character "hangs his head," name two different emotions he could be feeling besides "sad."
Shame, guilt, embarrassment, or defeat.
The stage direction says: [The character is surrounded by boxes, rolls of tape, and half-empty suitcases.] What is about to happen to this character?
They are moving house (or going on a long trip).
[Shakira stands on stage, unobtrusive, brooding.]" Name two people this direction is for.
The Actor and the Director.
"[She speaks her lines while slowly tidying the room, moving objects to their exact right places.]" What does this intent suggest about her personality?
She is a perfectionist, needs to feel in control, or is trying to distract herself from a difficult conversation.
"He looks at the bottle as if puzzled, then throws it weakly." What does the "weakly" throw tell us about his physical state?
He is exhausted, giving up, or already too drunk to move properly.
You see this in the script: [A bright spotlight follows the character as they walk toward a microphone stand on a dark stage.] What is the character about to do?
Perform, sing, or give a speech.
"[Darkness, steady and silent... Then Jack's voice comes out of the darkness.]" Who manages the first half of this instruction?
The Lighting Technician
A character "straightens her clothes, draws herself up to her full height, and walks briskly out." What is she trying to project?
Confidence, dignity, or the appearance that "everything is okay.
If the stage direction says, "[He slams the book shut and stares at the wall]," what does this intent tell us about his conversation with the other character.
He is frustrated, done talking, or losing his patience.
The sound of a cricket chirps and the character is holding a flashlight and a sleeping bag.] What are they doing?
Camping