Practice reading short script excerpts by identifying cues, beats, stage directions, and subtext.
Read each script excerpt carefully. Use evidence from the lines, stage directions, and punctuation to support your answers.
Practice finding performance clues in a script
Drama - Grade 6-8
- 1
Read the excerpt. Maya: I thought you were coming to the rehearsal. Jordan: I was. I mean, I wanted to. Maya: You wanted to. Identify the cue that tells Jordan when to speak, and explain what Maya's repeated words might suggest.
- 2
Read the excerpt. Eli: The poster looks great. Sam: Thanks. Eli: Really great. Sam: You already said that. Where would you place a beat to show a change in the conversation, and why?
- 3
Read the excerpt. Nina: Did you take my notebook? Omar: Why would I take your notebook? Nina: That is not an answer. What is Omar's possible subtext, and what clue supports your idea?
- 4
Look at a script page with highlighted stage directions in brackets and character names in bold. Explain how stage directions help an actor understand cues and beats.
- 5
Read the excerpt. Tessa: I saved you a seat. Malik: I see that. Tessa: You can sit here if you want. Malik: I am fine standing. What might Malik's subtext be? Give one acting choice that would show it.
- 6
Read the excerpt. Director's note: A beat occurs when Clara realizes Ben has lied. Clara: You said the bus was late. Ben: It was. Clara: Then why did Ms. Reyes see you at the arcade? Describe how Clara's voice or movement should change at the beat.
- 7
Study a two-column chart labeled "Spoken Line" and "Possible Subtext." Fill in a possible subtext for this line: "No, it is fine. I can do the whole project myself."
- 8
Read the excerpt. Coach: Team meeting in five minutes. Ava: I will be there. Coach: Five minutes, Ava. Ava: I heard you. Identify the cue for Ava's second line and explain what the exchange reveals about the relationship.
- 9
Read the excerpt. Leo: I am not scared. [He grips the flashlight with both hands and looks toward the dark hallway.] Priya: Then go first. What do the stage directions reveal that Leo's words do not?
- 10
Read the excerpt. Grace: You remembered my song. Mateo: Of course. Grace: Nobody ever remembers that one. Mateo: I do. Mark one place where a pause would add meaning, and explain the subtext it could create.