Scene Analysis The Young Americans

Acting
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Name: Date:

Scene:

Here is a series of questions that you should be able to answer in detail when working on a scene or monologue and de-
veloping your character. Always be clear about who, when, where, what, why and how. Remember, generality is the enemy
of art! Specificity is essential!

Your Character
Basic information

Name

Age

Gender

Education Level

Occupation

Economic/ Social Status

What am I wearing?

Marital Status and Romantic History

Who am I with in the scene?

What do I actually do in the scene?

Intimate Information

What is my personal history?

Objective: What is my objective in the scene? (What are you fighting for?)

Obstacles: What about me is keeping me from achieving these goals?

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Acting
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Obstacles: Are there any people or things in the way of my goals? Who or what is my obstacle? Why are they
an obstacle?

Tactics: How can I get what I want? (hint: there should be more than one! If you dont accomplish your objec-
tive by one means, try another tactic.)

Fears: What am I afraid of? Who and what bring them out in me?

Your Scene
Moment Before

What has just happened to me?

Where have I just been?

What is happening presently?

What is my emotional state? (my present state of being)

My attitude toward the unfolding events? (my point of view or opinion)

What are my expectations?

How high are the stakes?

The Structure of the text (scoring the scene) Make sure your break the scene or monologue into units of
action on your copy of the text, name the units and write your objective and obstacle for each one on your copy
of the text. Then... transfer that info to this paper.

How would I break the scene into units of action? (name each unit in a way that describes the action)
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Acting
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Beginning-

Middle-

End-

What is my simple objective and obstacle for each unit? (Add more if necessary.)
1.

2.

3.

What is my motivating force? (This applies to the whole play. What you want and what youre willing to do to
get it.)

Setting
Where are you? What city?

What is the year? Season?

What are your immediate surroundings?

What are the social, spiritual & political customs of my family, group, society?

What does this place mean to you?

Draw the space: (do not skip this... it doesnt have to be a piece of art but you must know what your set looks
like so that you can develop relationship with the space. It will also inform your blocking, obviously.)