5.2.1

Features of a Script

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Features of a Script

Scripts are written for drama performances including plays, television shows, films, and radio shows.

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Purpose

  • Scripts are used by directors and actors or performers.
  • Scripts have a particular layout that is easy to follow so they can focus on their performance.
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Acts and scenes

  • Play scripts are organised in:
    • Acts
    • Scenes - smaller parts of acts
  • A new scene will begin if the location of the action or time period changes.
    • Stage directions at the start of each scene will make it clear where it takes place and when.
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Characters and stage directions

  • The script will describe the characters of the play, their clothing or appearance, and any props (objects) needed on stage.
  • Stage directions may describe how a character moves on stage or their facial expressions.
    • Stage directions are in italics to make them stand out from the rest of the script.
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Dialogue

  • The character's speech is called a dialogue.
  • The character’s speech will start with their name in capital letters on the left.
    • Each new speaker starts on a new line.
  • Stage directions are also sometimes used at the start of the dialogue.
    • Stage directions are put in brackets to describe how the character says a line, such as ‘excitedly’ or ‘giggling’.

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1Spelling

2Punctuation

3Grammar

4Decoding Words

5Reading & Writing

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