Play Analysis

Learning to analyze a play and understand the structure of the whole script is important for actors for several reasons:

Understanding the story:

By analyzing a play, actors can grasp the overall narrative and gain a more profound understanding of the story being told. This empowers them to make more substantial choices during rehearsals.

Character development:

Analyzing a play aids actors in understanding their characters’ motivations, desires, and objectives. It helps them identify their character’s super objective, which is the overarching goal or desire that drives their behavior throughout the entire play.

Relationships with other characters:

Analyzing the play helps actors to understand the dynamics and relationships between their character and others. It allows them to identify the needs, conflicts, and interactions their character has with other characters, enabling them to create more realistic and engaging interactions on stage.

Context and subtext:

Analysis of the play helps actors to understand the context in which the story is set, such as the setting, time period, and social dynamics. By doing so, they can explore the subtext and the unspoken emotions that accompany the dialogue. Subtext identification leads to nuanced and layered performances by actors.

Collaboration with other actors and the director:

Understanding the structure of the play allows actors to collaborate effectively with others involved in the production, such as fellow actors and the director. It enables them to contribute meaningfully to discussions about the overall vision, pacing, and storytelling of the play, leading to a cohesive and impactful performance.

In summary, analyzing a play and understanding the structure of the whole script is crucial for actors as it helps them fully comprehend the story, develop their characters, create realistic relationships, identify the context and subtext, and collaborate effectively with others.

Online Courses: Analysis of plays with Mike Alfreds