Beat Bubbles
Name: _____________________
Objective: SWBAT create Beat Bubbles to define the beats of a monologue or scene, to analyze a
character’s subtext or essential action for a monologue or scene, and to aid in the memorization process.
Directions for Beat Bubbles:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Print out the script of the monologue or scene OR write out the script by hand.
Mark then cut out the beats of the script.
Paste the beats on separate pieces of paper, index cards, pictures, etc.
Reverse each beat and on the flip side hand write in pencil (and in your own words) what you think
the character is really saying in the beat (the subtext or essential action).
5. Write the subtext or essential action in the first person.
This is a TOOL for YOU — so BE CREATIVE! Use different colored paper or markers to reflect the mood
or tone of the Beat, cut your paper in shapes to reflect the Beat or images in the Beat, and/or add images
or pictures to your Beat Bubbles. Creativity helps in creating a character and in memorization!
Example: Think about a cartoon character in a comic strip!
A character might have a what he or she is saying coming out of one side of his or her mouth — but what
he or she is really thinking or meaning coming out of the other side of his or her mouth!
Great hat! Red
and purple are
really your colors!
I wouldn’t be
caught at the
North Pole in
that hat!
Remember our examples in class.
1. How many ways, and with what different meaning and intent, can you say, “I love you!”
2. Or think of the example of being a clerk in a store — your job is to check out the items people buy,
collect their money, and bag the purchases. How does your intent or objective and action change
when different customers come through your line? For example, think about how the scenario
changes with the following people:

Your Grandmother

Your Best Friend

Your favorite Teacher

Your least favorite Teacher

A person at school to whom you are

The school bully who you reported to
the principal earlier that day.

Now think of these people again —
only this time your Boss is watching!
attracted

Your Neighbor (whose window you
broke playing ball last night)