How you analyse a script has a lot to do with what job you’re doing on the production. This
analysis is meant for stage managers and technicians, and should form the starting point for their
work on the production. The break-down below shows a common method of organizing the
information gleaned from the script. These lists can be added to or modified as the production
progresses based on designers’ interpretations of the script, changes made in rehearsal, etc.
Sets:
-written descriptions of each setting
-location in comparison to the rest of the world of the play
-include not only the stage directions but also comments made by the characters in the script
Costumes:
-details about what characters are wearing
-details about time of day/year/location/weather, etc.
-also note when characters change costumes, or logically would change (such as from one day to
the next)
-be sure to note page numbers and starting locations of costume pieces
Props:
-includes every piece of furniture or large set piece indicated, as well as every hand prop
manipulated by an actor, and indications about dressing and décor (upper/lower class, period,
style, etc)
-be sure to note the page number each piece is used/referred to on, and where the piece comes
from (onstage, offstage right, etc)
Sound:
-note any noises, ambient sounds or music referred to in stage directions or by characters, as
well as specific locations they may have come from (like a radio, or the basement)
-include any indications of voice-overs or the specific use of voice re-enforcement or alteration
-when working on a musical record what characters are singing what numbers, and on what
pages
Lighting:
-details about time of day/year
-note wherever the script indicates a lighting change, or where a change would logically occur
-note any “environmental” factors that would affect illumination, such as weather,
indoors/outdoors, time period, social class, etc.
-any set elements or furniture that lights up (wall sconces, floor lamps, etc) should also be noted
and referred to as “practicals”
-also note the use of any “scrim,” “shadow screens” or other special lighting effects
Other:
-anything that does not fit into any of the previous categories
-any special effects
-any potential production issues (like smoking onstage, actors going barefoot, etc)
analysis is meant for stage managers and technicians, and should form the starting point for their
work on the production. The break-down below shows a common method of organizing the
information gleaned from the script. These lists can be added to or modified as the production
progresses based on designers’ interpretations of the script, changes made in rehearsal, etc.
Sets:
-written descriptions of each setting
-location in comparison to the rest of the world of the play
-include not only the stage directions but also comments made by the characters in the script
Costumes:
-details about what characters are wearing
-details about time of day/year/location/weather, etc.
-also note when characters change costumes, or logically would change (such as from one day to
the next)
-be sure to note page numbers and starting locations of costume pieces
Props:
-includes every piece of furniture or large set piece indicated, as well as every hand prop
manipulated by an actor, and indications about dressing and décor (upper/lower class, period,
style, etc)
-be sure to note the page number each piece is used/referred to on, and where the piece comes
from (onstage, offstage right, etc)
Sound:
-note any noises, ambient sounds or music referred to in stage directions or by characters, as
well as specific locations they may have come from (like a radio, or the basement)
-include any indications of voice-overs or the specific use of voice re-enforcement or alteration
-when working on a musical record what characters are singing what numbers, and on what
pages
Lighting:
-details about time of day/year
-note wherever the script indicates a lighting change, or where a change would logically occur
-note any “environmental” factors that would affect illumination, such as weather,
indoors/outdoors, time period, social class, etc.
-any set elements or furniture that lights up (wall sconces, floor lamps, etc) should also be noted
and referred to as “practicals”
-also note the use of any “scrim,” “shadow screens” or other special lighting effects
Other:
-anything that does not fit into any of the previous categories
-any special effects
-any potential production issues (like smoking onstage, actors going barefoot, etc)
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