Thinking About Section B:
Ground Plan
And
Dramatic Commentary
Your Ground Plan must clearly show all of the following:
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logical staging (viability)
a key
positioning of the audience clearly marked
entrances and exits in appropriate positions
Opening positions of all characters marked on the stage
4 marks will be awarded if you have all of the above
Moves & Interpretive notes Justification
for actors
(Why?)
(What and How?)
7 marks
7 marks
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•
•
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stage positions
advice on movement
advice on voice
characterisation
proxemics*
advice on relationships
character interaction
important changes in
mood or atmosphere
Justification must
correspond with the
moves and interpretive
notes for actors
Try to link with:
• themes of the play
• issues raised
• conflicts that arise
Technical Effects
2 marks
How are the lights as the
scene opens?
• a wash of light
covering the entire
stage
• a pool of light on a
specific area or
character
• colours, gels,
brightness, intensity…
• Justify the lights you
have chosen to use.
*the effect cultural, behavioural and social aspects affect spatial distances between individuals
• Nomenclature (always number each point on both script and
drama commentary)
• Think of it as notes from a director
• You must use theatrical terminology
• Aim for a balance between voice and movement direction
• Aim to have around 15-20 pieces of direction
• Avoid repetition
• Don’t leave big gaps in your direction
• Focus on quality of direction rather than quantity
• DO complete the entire dramatic commentary
Using Terminology:
U.S.R.
U.S.C.
U.S.L.
C.S.R
C.S.
C.S.L.
D.S.R
D.S.C.
D.S.L.
Crosses to… from…
Sits on the sofa…
Stands by the window…
Kneels in front of…
Voice and Movement Terms
Using the correct voice and movement terminology is of the utmost
importance to the marks you will receive:
VOICE
MOVEMENT
Tone
Facial Expression
Pace
Eye Contact
Volume
Gesture
Pause
Body Language
Emphasis
Posture – stance
Clarity
Use of Space – proxemics
Intonation
Levels