reading a play?

Question

What is the hardest part about reading a play?

Answer 1

Depends on the play. Try reading Shakespeare for example. There are minimal stage directions and emotional queues. This was because during those times the playwright was usually a part of the production team, sometimes even a part of the cast. They could give those directions to you. Without them, reading Shakespeare can feel a little too much like reading poetry (which it is) rather than a performance.

Now look at modern plays. I think the hardest thing about reading in a modern day theatre is the possible interpretations of the story/scene/character(s). I know some people can find it hard to develop a character in their head for the purposes of performance. Oddly enough, they are able to imagine easily enough.

We all do it. Reading a story, most of us will imagine the characters, the landscape and be able to visualise of feel the story moving along. The hard part would then be the translation of that vision or feeling into a kinesthetic representation.

Reading a play in itself is not hard. Moving the play can be the real challenge. That's why I much more enjoy what is called a "Moved Reading."

Answer 2

The hardest part is that plays are meant for being seen, not for being read. But often we must read them for classes, or if we are in them. There are several strategies for reading a play. I am a theatre major and I take notes while reading mine, then go through and read it again afterwards. It increases my understanding greatly. For a play I'm having great difficulty with, I often rent a DVD version of the play and read it while I'm watching it. It often helps to see the characters and hear them speaking the words while I'm reading them. If you are good at multitasking as I am this is another good strategy. It's not good "in place" of it however as often directors will make changes when they stage plays, especially if they are on film. Try to get a play that was taped, rather than a play that was made into a movie, if you know what I mean.

Answer 3

The hardest thing about reading a play is getting used to seeing the names before each line.

Just read through it quickly rather than worrying about the names, and you'll get the hang of it. Frustrating at first, but it'll soon become the easiest thing in the world!

:-)

Answer 4

Reading between the lines, like understanding something by the written words that you might see expressed in facial expressions or scenery if you were actually watching a performance of the play.

Answer 5

I did performing arts at college and the hardest thing for me was learn my lines. I found that writing them out and saying them as i was writing made them stick in my head! try it, it works!

Answer 6

There isn't anything hard about reading a play.