Script Analysis

Objective: To read and analyze the script of a given musical. Background: When actors are first cast in a play or musical, one of the first things they do is read through the script together. This first read through is called a cold read. The director will usually share their overall concept for the production and the actors will do their best to portray their characters. We are going to go one step deeper and analyze the script as we read it. This analysis is usually done individually by the actors on their own time or the director will facilitate it during subsequent rehearsals. Process: As we read through the script, please make annotations in your script. These annotations can be questions, comments, reactions, misunderstandings, insights, revelations, characterizations, etc. Basically, this is a process of writing anything and everything that pops into your head while reading the script. You can underline, star, bullet, circle or make any other mark that you feel is needed in your script to help you break down or comment on what is happening. We will pause after each scene to answer any questions and address any comments. I will also present questions/prompts to help you in your analysis. Everything is in the script for a reason. It is up to you to find out why it was included. Common reasons why something is in a script include: advancing the plot, describing the characters, describing the setting, adding humor or drama, or complicating the storyline. Remember: EVERYTHING IS IN THE SCRIPT FOR A REASON!

Grading: See rubric on the back of this page. Each category will be graded on a scale of 0-5.

ANNOTATION Distinguished 5 pts Annotations Accomplished 4 pts Proficient 3 pts Developing 2 pts Emerging 1 pts No Score 0 pts

Distinguished Accomplished
Text has been thoroughly annotated with questions, observations, and reflections of the content as well as the writing Text has been annotated with questions, observations, and reflections of the content as well as the writing

Proficient
Text has been annotated with questions, observations, and reflections of the content as well as the writing

Developing
Text has been annotated with questions, observations, and reflections of the content as well as the writing

Emerging
Text has been infrequently annotated with questions OR observations, BUT lacks reflections

No Score
Annotations are not present OR are simply marks void of interpretation.

Quality of Comments

Distinguished Accomplished
Comments demonstrate analysis and interpretation thinking beyond the surface level of the text. Thoughtful connections made to other texts, life experiences. Comments attempt an analysis and interpretation beyond the surface level of the text. Connections are made to other texts, life experiences.

Proficient
Comments attempt an analysis and interpretation beyond the surface level of the text BUT may be incorrect AND/OR connections are made to other texts, life experience BUT lack sophistication.

Developing
Comments address only the surface level of the text AND/OR connections are incorrect.

Emerging
Comments are infrequent AND address only the surface level of the text AND/OR connections are infrequent AND/OR incorrect.

No Score
Comments are inappropriate OR no comments present.

Consistency

Distinguished Accomplished
Consistent markings throughout text (not bunched).

Proficient
Inconsistent markings throughout text (appear to be bunched due to easeof-annotation OR reliance on finding repeats of previously identified elements).

Developing

Emerging
Sporadic markings throughout text (indicating the entire text was not read for annotation).

No Score
Markings appear to be random.