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Unit Four - Script Analysis
Module 3: Blocking
Lesson 4 - Blocking Assignment

Introduction: Focusing on blocking in a short scene provides a step towards directing. The concepts that are learned during the module can all be applied in this final blocking assignment.

Activities:

Activity 1 - Scene work:
Students will choose a scene from the play Angels by Cliff Burns (below). Each scene will be developed with the following criteria in mind:

• blocking must be suited to the style of the scene
• blocking must use the identified playing space (you may choose to isolate a section of the stage with set placement or lights)
• blocking must incorporate levels, variety and pictures
• blocking should make characters easy to see and keep sight lines open
• movement and stage business must be connected to the character's objective

(One hour to prepare, and approx. 30 min performance and evaluation time.)

Script Resource:

"Angels" by Saskatchewan writer Cliff Burns, is a 40 minute, 1 act play (comedy and drama on the theme of body image perceptions, and the ideal weight, especially those of young women). You may print and use the script for *classroom exercises. Certain scenes have been identified for use in various lessons. If you wish to print an entire script click here for the PDF (printable) version of "Angels".

If you only wish to print certain scenes, choose from the ones below:

  • Scene 1: opening scene, 1 female & 1 male, serious
  • Scene 4: 3 females, gossiping, 1 walk on female, comedic
  • Scene 6: 3 female, performance art, drama
  • Scene 7: 2 female, 2 male, at the movies, drama & comedy
  • Scene 11: 1 female, drama
  • Scene 13: 3 females (2 males& 1 female walk on), comedy & drama

* Please note: the author has given permission for use of the script in class exercises only. If you wish to have a public performance of the play you must contact the author for performance permission. Contact information is on the title page of the script.

 

 

Activity 2 - Journal:

• Record what things your group did well and what things needed improvement.
• Discuss what examples of good blocking you saw in class, and why you believed the blocking you saw was effective.

Evaluation: evaluation sheet (pdf). View the evaluation before starting the assignment.

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