Text vs. Subtext

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Text vs. Subtext
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Text and Subtext

• Text What is explicitly said
• Subtext What is implicitly said

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The Script

• A Youre late.
• B I know. I couldnt help it.
• A I understand.
• B I thought you would.
• A I have something to give you.
• B Really?
• A Yes, this.

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Scene 1 Two friends--the late friend has just
arrived at what will be a surprise party for him
or her

• A Youre late. (pretending to be angry, hands on
  hips)
• B I know. I couldnt help it. (honestly feels
  bad, looks at floor.)
• A I understand. (nods and smiles, truly
  understands and is glad because it helps)
• B I thought you would. (smiles big, knows friend
  is understanding)
• A I have something to give you. (pretending it
  isnt a big deal, shrugging)
• B Really? (turns head to the side with a
  confused face)
• A Yes, this. (throws open the door and yells
  SURPRISE!!!)

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The Assignment

• Each group will be given a scenario. Choose a
  secretary for your group and copy The Script
  from the next page, leaving room for your stage
  directions.
• You MAY NOT change any words to the script. You
  can only change stage directions adding
  expressions, movement, etc. for each line.
• You may use props, but you have to write them in
  the script.
• Two actors from your group will act out the
  scene in front of the class.

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The Script (Copy THIS!)

• A Youre late.
• B I know. I couldnt help it.
• A I understand.
• B I thought you would.
• A I have something to give you.
• B Really?
• A Yes, this.

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Lights, Camera, Action!!

• Lets do it!!!

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Scene 2 Pizza delivery and customer. The pizza
delivery is late.

• A Youre late. (actually angry)
• B I know. I couldnt help it. (honestly feels
  bad)
• A I understand. (is not really understanding)
• B I thought you would. (thinks customer is being
  genuine)
• A I have something to give you. (pretends to be
  nice and give tip)
• B Really? (knows its a tip and is surprised A
  is still giving B one)
• A Yes, this. (sarcastically--tip is very bad)

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Scene 3 Bride and groom. One has arrived late
for the wedding.

• A Youre late. (very angry)
• B I know. I couldnt help it. (honestly feels
  very bad)
• A I understand. (is not really understanding)
• B I thought you would. (thinks partner is being
  genuine)
• A I have something to give you. (pretends to be
  nice)
• B Really? (very surprised that A would give a
  givf after this incident)
• A Yes, this. (makes point--returns ring)

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Scene 4 Spies--They are meeting secretly to
exchange information.

• A Youre late. (monotone)
• B I know. I couldnt help it. (matter of fact)
• A I understand. (is purposefully being
  understanding because A needs to give B the
  information)
• B I thought you would. (rubs power dynamic in
  As face)
• A I have something to give you. (matter of fact)
• B Really? (pretending to be surprised but knows
  what it is)
• A Yes, this. (matter of fact)

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What changed?

• Body language
• Props
• Behavior
• Blocking (movement)
• Facial expressions
• Vocal inflection