How to Divide A Scene Into Beats

Directors can clarify the arc of a scene by breaking it down into smaller pieces. Dividing a scene into beats makes it easier for a director to communicate with actors and develop the ebb and flow of a scene. Since a play is usually composed of a series of scenes, learning to master the art of breaking a scene into beats will strengthen the vision of the play. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Script
• Pencil
• Actors

1. Read the scene thoroughly.
2. Make a small mark in the text where the motivation of a character changes. This indicates a shift in action, which is a beat.
3. Ask the actors to divide their scene into beats, as well.
4. Rehearse your beats with the actors. Notice if they work or not.
5. If your beats seem awkward when rehearsed by the actors, try it a few times. If it continually fails to make sense within the context of the scene, then try using one of their beat markers in rehearsal.
6. Arrive at a consensus as to where the beats occur. Rehearse the scene with these beats.

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