READING A SCRIPT

LESSON 1: READING A SCRIPT

 

OBJECTIVE: Students will demonstrate their ability to read and analyze a script by reading The Curious Savage

 

MATERIALS NEEDED: Scripts of The Curious Savage

 

LESSON DIRETIONS

HOOK: Write on the board the words “Curious” and “Savage”. Have the students define each of these words and ask for synonyms for each word.

Here are the definitions and synonyms found in the dictionary: 

  • Curious –
    • 1) Eager to know or learn something 2) Expressing curiosity 3) Strange, unusual
    • intrigued, interested, inquisitive, strange, odd, peculiar, funny, unusual, bizarre, weird, eccentric, queer, unexpected, unfamiliar, extraordinary, abnormal, out of the ordinary, surprising, unconventional, off beat, and unorthodox.
  • SAVAGE –
    • Adjective: fierce, wild, untamed, undomestical, vicious, brutal, cruel ferocious, violent, bloodthirsty, uncivilized, unenlightened, nonliterate, and rough, wild.
    • Noun: wild man/woman, primitive, beast, monster, barbarian, animal.

After having the student discuss these two words, have the students predict what the play might entail. What do you think this play is about? (Make sure that they don’t read the synopsis on the back)

 

STEP 1: Instruction Pass out scripts to the students. Assign parts (including someone to read the stage directions) and explain the following about reading scripts:

  • Stage directions are for the actor to know what they are supposed to do but they are not read by the actor. These are in parenthesis and italicized.
  • C, DR, UL etc. indicate the location of the stage (we will learn this more specifically later)
  • In theatre auditions you are often asked to audition using a cold reading (meaning you are reading it for the very first time) encourage the students to read the script today as though you were auditioning for a play. Read the line in character and with meaning.

 

STEP 2: Read the script as a class. Stop often to clarify, ask questions and to review what has been read so far. Switch parts often to give all a chance to read.

 

STEP 3: At a good stopping point, break students into smaller groups so that all can be involved. In their groups have them assign parts again (including someone to read stage directions) and continue reading.

 

CLOSURE: Bring the students together. Refer back to the hook and ask which meaning of curious and savage most applies now that they have read more of the script. Ask students to predict what will happen in the script. Questions may include:

  • Do you think Ms. Savage is really crazy? Why or why not?
  • What do you think that she did with the bonds?

 

ASSESSMENT: Students can be assessed by their participation

 

FOLLOW-UP Reading the script will probably take more than one time period. Finishing the play can be done again in class or can be assigned to take home to read as homework.