How to Read Sub Text in an Acting Script

Acting is much more detailed then simply reading lines on a piece of paper. If you desire to become a great actor, then you need to learn how to read the subtext of an acting script. By learning how to find the subtext of a script, you will be able to not only perform better on stage or on screen, but also at auditions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Script
• Notepad
• Pen
• Highlighter

Finding the Subtext of a Script

1. Read your script several times. It is important to become extremely familiar with the story that you are going to be portraying. If you are auditioning and you have the audition sides prior to the actual audition, then read these sides (portions of the script) several times, becoming as familiar with them as possible.
2. Read through the script again, but this time, highlight the main emotional peaks and valleys throughout the story. Dissect each scene individually, ensuring that you pay special attention to the various goals and objectives your character is going through. Take the highlighter and outline the main points within your characters dialog that marks a change in thought or deep emotion.
3. Gather your notepad and pen and write down the dialog that you highlighted for each scene. Make sure that you skip at least two lines between each line of dialog. Only perform this one scene at a time so you can focus on a small section of the script.
4. Write the underlining thoughts that your character is having in-between the lines of actual script dialog. This may take some time, however, by doing so you will be able to understand the sub-text of your characters thoughts, actions and objectives. If you find yourself at a road block, read through the dialog aloud and imagine what you would be thinking if you were having this conversation with your friend or family member. There is always an internal dialog going on within an external conversation, finding the subtext of a script you’ll be able to create an interesting and dimensional character.
5. Congregate all of the subtext notes you made for your script. Read through your script a second time, however, in-between each line of dialog take a moment to read the subtext that you have written. You will be surprised how this will help you understand a scene and really get to the main objective your character is reaching towards.

Tips & Warnings

• Never be afraid to write abstract subtext thoughts about your character, because as humans, we think abstractly.
• Bogging down the subtext of a script with too many description words can actually hinder the process of finding the hidden meanings of your characters thoughts and actions.
• Don't rush this process, sometimes it can take days to find the subtext of a script.