Preparing a script is a marathon task and it takes weeks or months to prep a script fully for
work. I have made a list of a few things I do to prepare my script for a rehearsal into
performance process.
1. French scene the entire play: a French scene is denoted by any entrance or exit.
Anytime the characters onstage change, a new ‘scene’ is created. In a farce, these
scenes might be very short or even not marked by dialogue. It is very helpful when
creating my call list to know when each actor is onstage and for how long.
2. Character notes: as an actor, I would make a list of all the facts about my character, the
quotes of what my character says about themself (including page numbers), what my
character says about others in the text and what the other characters say about my character. As a director, I do this, but for every character in the show. It really helps me
to get to know the show inside and out.
3. Objectives: in each scene, I write down a series of objectives for each character. Rarely
would I tell the actor what I want right away, but it gives me options to try out in rehearsal if we need a bit of inspiration and helps me to centre in on what is important for each of these characters.
4. Research: I make a document of everything I research for the show. If it’s a historical
piece, this might be a lot. I can continue to add to this and often will depending on what
the actors bring into rehearsals. I like history, but I also like making informed choices
and doing research into the topics helps me to do that.
5. A list of quotes: I will keep track of every line that I think is poignant or speaks to a
larger theme or message in the play. I will then print these out and hang them up in the
rehearsal room to use as inspiration during our work.
6. SFX and LFX: Writing down every time there is a sound or lighting cue (either noted in
the script or what I want to create for the performance). It’s much easier to pass this
along to tech in one solid list and it helps to shape the play.
7. Props and costume list: this is a list of all the props and costumes (including
shoes/hair/accessories) that I need for the show. I include the item, page number,
character that wear/use it, a description of the item (if included in the stage directions),
my request (what I want to see) and a reference photo.
These are a few things that I would do to prepare a script before any show. My list for
Shakespeare or classical work is quite long and has many items specific to classical work, but I also do these as well. My list is always growing and changing.