Introduction TH166 Theories of Play Production Summer 2010 Lesson #2 Script Analysis Introduction and Chapter 1 The First Reading Analysis the process of identifying separate elements of the play Interpretation the process of clarifying and communicating our understanding of the identified elements From Wikipedia... the process of breaking a complex topic or substance into smaller parts to gain a better understanding of it. From Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary... A resolution of anything, whether an object of the senses or of the intellect, into its constituent or original elements; an examination of the component parts of a subject, each separately, as the words which compose a sentence, the tones of a tune, or the simple propositions which enter into an argument. It is opposed to synthesis. A purposeful, systematic, interpretive reading. A process of multiple readings, reading each time with specific purposes and asking increasingly complex questions about the text. A sequence of multiple readings First Impressions (Chapter 1) Gathering information Given Circumstances (Chapter 2) Theatrical Contract (Chapter 3) Interpretation Character (Chapter 4) Conflict (Chapter 5) Conflict Analysis Applied to a Scene (Chapter 6) Supplemental Research (Chapter 7) Synthesis (Chapter 8) Plot Character Thought (Idea) Diction (Dialogue) Music (Song) Spectacle (Production Values) Six Elements of Drama