Scene Analysis Strategies

1. Beginning, Middle, End: chunk/draw

helps identify progression of character, plot, theme
helps identify turning points, points of conflict, change, resolution
drawing helps visualize

2. Beat by Beat

helps work on timing, creating space, flow, tempo
helps put everything in its place and avoid rushing through words

3. Emotional Progression (and levels)

colors help create a visual map of emotions throughout script
helps with making your performance less flat

4. Seven Levels of Tension

see previous blog post on what this is and use to create a map of progress throughout script (similar to Emotional Progression)


These analysis tactics help with actors, writers, directors, and devisers. Following the analysis, think about how to revise based on what you see and what might be more dynamic.

Levels of Tension

Remember that theater pieces should have a beginning, middle, and end. They should cycle through different emotions and dynamics, so they are not simply "flat." Check out this approach to help with this -- originally developed by Lecoq -- the Seven Levels of Tension:

https://dramaresource.com/seven-levels-of-tension/