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What is an Annotated script?
What is an Annotated script?
An annotated script is the process actors use to mark their scripts to highlight movements, voice, feelings, notes, questions and discoveries of the play and especially their own character. It helps you remember what you have already done so far. It also shows the teacher how much you are thinking and more importantly understanding your character and play.
Why should you annotate your script?
Why should you annotate your script?
Annotating a script is an essential skill for serious actors. By annotating your script, you can develop a better understanding of your character and you will be able to improve your performances.
You can also use annotations for more technical aspects of your performance, such as blocking.
You should get into the habit of doing this as much as you can, many of the NZQA assessments require you to hand this in at the end of the unit. Try making note while in class and 5 mins at the end.
To the left is an actors annotated script, they have made notes on the script that they feel are important to remember and understand. Understanding is important because, you can't act what you don't understand. They are focusing on movements, feelings and subtext (whats going on underneath the words and actions)
But its not only actors that need to do an annotated script. Every member of the play will have to make notes as well. If you click here, you can send see and example of notes made by a director of a play.
They have also colour coded their annotated script, feel free to do this as well. Just be sure to use a key so that the teacher can follow your notes.
How to annotate a script.
How to annotate a script.
As you read, you should be looking for the answers to questions you may have (why are they saying this? / what does this word mean?). You should also have a pencil in hand so that you can "annotate" your text. As the word suggests, you "take notes" in your textbook.
The process of annotating text helps you to stay focused and involved with your textbook. You'll find that the process of taking notes as you read will help you to concentrate better. If you come across something that you don't understand or that you need to ask you friends or teacher about, you'll be able to quickly make note of it, and then go on with your reading.
The following is a list of some techniques that you can use to annotate text:
Underline important terms.
Mark words the are actions, feeling or movement.
Circle definitions and meanings.
Write key words and definitions in the margin.
Signal where important information can be found with key words
Write short summaries at the end of acts
Write the questions in the margin next to the section where the answer is found.
There was no good video of how to do this with a focus about drama, but a lot of the skills in one subject works for another such as English.
So this is a good video to watch.
Summary
Summary
An annotated script is the process actors use to mark their scripts to highlight movements, voice, feelings, notes, questions and discoveries of the play and especially their own character. The more you understand the play, the more you can perform it.
Spend 5 mins at the end of your class writing down notes on your script, and then you already have a great deal of evidence to hand into your teacher.
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