Summary: As you read and work your way through a script, you must be a relentless explorer willing to do library work and to jump into the unknown. When you start reading a script, it is useful to give yourself some assistance by looking for support information. If the script has been performed, seek out reviews to hear what others say about it. If the script is new, do some research about the writer and read the other things they have written. In some cases, to understand the world of the script you might need to do some research into a historical period, a particular profession, or a political movement. As you examine the script, keep asking yourself questions. These will guide your research and tell you how to approach the script. As you read, pay attention to the information the writer gives you about the given circumstances, the locations, and settings. Read the stage directions. They might provide clues into a character’s actions or intentions. Pay close attention to your character’s language and be sure to figure out what your character wants in each scene and throughout the entire script. The more clearly you understand how a character speaks and acts, the easier it will be to figure out what they want. To get the most out of a script, you must be an active reader who is willing to search for clues, do outside research, and use your imagination. Invest in the script and you will receive acting dividends.
