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Unit in Drama One Curriculum

Script Analysis: The Actor's Perspective

Created by Karen Loftus

5 lessons analysis acting

How does an actor analyze a script? Students start with character analysis (how do we learn about a character in a script? what are the facts/inferences about a character?) and then explore the ideas of “objective,” “obstacle,” “stakes,” and “tactics.” The unit culminates with students applying learned script-analysis techniques on an assigned scene.

Start here
The overview lays out the structure of the unit, including objectives, materials list, lesson structure and assessment and time management tools.
  1. 1
    Lesson 1
    Getting to Know a Character
    Students learn the 5 ways we learn about a character in a script.
  2. 2
    Lesson 2
    Characters in a Scene
    Students continue their exploration with script analysis by learning about objective, obstacle, stakes, and tactics and applying it to an exercise.
  3. 3
    Lesson 3
    The Stanislavski Method
    Students continue their exploration with script analysis by learning about objective, obstacle, stakes, and tactics and applying it to an exercise.
  4. 4
    Lesson 4
    Applying Analysis to Performance
    Students continue their exploration of script analysis by applying objective, obstacles, tactics, and stakes within an open scene. They learn that they must apply their script analysis to their performance.
  5. 5
    Lesson 5
    Unit Project
    For the final project, give students an assigned scene to analyze as if they were going to perform it. One option is to have students continue working on the “Still as Stone” scene. Alternatively, you could provide a selection for them to choose from, or have students choose their own scenes.

Standards Addressed

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