what is "subtext" in theater terms??????

Answer 1

it's reading through the lines. What is the character thinking or really meaning to say when they say each line? It's interpretation.

"Sure I want you to go! Go! Just get out of here! I never loved you! I'm glad you found that other girl! And I wish you the best."

What is this character thinking and meaning to say? She's hurt. She doesn't want him to go. She really loved him or she wouldn't be hurt. She's not happy that he found someone else. She really saying that she's hurt.

Answer 2

subtext is the actual meaning behind the lines or, in other words, what the character is thinking.

for example, a character could say "shut up" but there are so many possibilities to the actual meaning behind those two words. The subtext could be something like "you're so cute" if the character was joking around or "I'm going to kill you if you don't stop talking" if the character was actually angry. Those are really pathetic examples, but I hope you get the idea.

Some directors make their actors write out their subtext underneath their lines to get an idea of how to say the lines. It also helps with internalization with your acting. It's a pain sometimes, but it really helps.

I hope this all makes sense! haha

Answer 3

It's the ATTITUDE of the character that you perceive beyond or beneath what they actually say. A character might say something innocuous, like: "Hey, you look great today." But,t he SUBTEXT could be virtually ANYTHING. Those same words could be used to communicate "I love you"...or "I hate you"...or anything in-between.

Answer 4

Simply put, an internal monologue. It is the undercurrent that drives a character or scene.