Scoring a Script Example
Overview
This learning resource is a script that shows how to use dialogue to express complex emotions and character relationships, helping theatre students create genuine and engaging interactions on stage.
Scoring a Script Example
This script demonstrates how to use dialogue to express complex emotions and character relationships.
Image Attribution: Two by B*lly Frank is licensed CC BY-NC 2.0
Scoring example
Marcus: (Command) I need you to look me in the eyes, Monica. (Pause) / (Confront) Why did you say you were busy last night? I know you weren't. // (Provoke) I saw your car parked outside the club. (Pause) / (Appeal to sympathy) We're friends, right? I just want the truth. /// (Reveal) If you can't be honest with me, how can I trust you? // (Reason with) Please, just tell me what really happened. / (Coax) We can work through this together.
Monica: (Defensive) I don't know what you're talking about. (Pause) / (Deny) I wasn't at the club. You must have seen someone else. // (Deflect) Why does it even matter where I was?
Marcus: (Challenge) Because it matters to me, Monica! / (Guilt-trip) We've been friends for years, and I feel like I can't trust you anymore. // (Implore) Please, just be honest with me. (Pause) / (Explain) I need to know the truth so we can move forward. (Short pause) /// (Appeal to trust) Trust goes both ways, right? / (Befriend) I'm here for you, no matter what.
Monica: (Sighs) / (Confess) Okay, you're right. I was at the club. (Pause) / (Apologize) I'm sorry I lied. I just didn't want you to think badly of me. // (Justify) I needed some time to unwind.
Marcus: (Reassure) Thank you for being honest. (Short pause) / (Forgive) I understand, Alex. We all need a break sometimes. (Pause) / (Support) Let's just promise to be upfront with each other from now on, okay?
Monica: (Relieved) Okay, I promise. Thanks for understanding.
Marcus: (Smile) Anytime, Monica. Now, let's go grab a coffee and catch up!
In this continuation, Monica moves through denial, deflection, and eventual confession, and Marcus uses various tactics such as challenging, guilt-tripping, imploring, explaining, and befriending to achieve the objective.