Tuesday, April 6, 2010
French Scenes
French scenes - Traditionally you have the playwright's written version of the Acts and Scene breakdown. But for the purposes of you and the director you will need to make a French Scene breakdown. The French scene changes when the number of characters on stage change.
ie
(the curtain opens to reveal Bob)
BOB I wonder if someone is going to visit (sound of door bell) I better see who's at the door. (opens door)(in walks Bill)
BILL Hi Bob
BOB Hi Bill, Can you stay here? I want to go out to demonstrate a french scene.
BILL No probs Bob. (Bob exits)
BILL What's a french scene?
ACT I Sc 1 French scene A - Bob
ACT I Sc 1 French scene B - Bob and BIll
ACT I Sc 1 French scene C - Bill
see the link to Kyle Atkins excellent scene breakdown chart. I like how he uses capital letters for French scenes.
Roman numerals for Acts; Numerals for scenes and capital letters for French scenes .
google French Scenes as well.
Okay now why would you want to do this work. Why break it down differently from the usual change of location, change of theme, change of time etc reasons for ACT and SCENE breaks? There are several reasons.
Discuss in the comments section.
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So what's the reason to do French Scene Analysis?
ReplyDeleteFor resource tracking...to know who needs mics when or if different characters can be played by the same actor.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, and actors are resources as well so besides doubling up you can figure out ALL the scenes where bill, bob and suzy are on and rehearse them together without the others. Why might some actors be available at certain times and not other times?
ReplyDelete