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Stage Acting – Tips for Writing Notes During Rehearsals

Note Taking

I have spent countless hours rehearsing for stage plays. While this time is primarily spent learning my character, learning the story and accomplishing the vision of the director, I spend a decent amount of time taking notes. The rehearsal process for stage productions is very unique as it allows you to collaborate with your fellow actors as well as with the director in regards to your character and how you feel the story should flow. It’s within this collaboration that the integration of ideas from your fellow creative professionals can take a drab play and turn it into something fantastic.

Writing notes during rehearsals is a skill that you must learn to master. Note taking assists your performance and helps you identify with your character and the technical requirements of acting.

What to Write

When I bring up this topic in my workshops, I am sometimes met with confusion. Many new actors understand that they must take notes during rehearsal, but they aren’t sure exactly what they should write.

Although there are certain notes that you do not have to write down, if the director gives you a specific note, you must write this down so you may learn it and integrate his suggestions into your performance.

At the end of every rehearsal, the director will give notes to each actor. While this note taking session may become boring (especially in plays where there is a large cast), these notes are vital to your success in the play.

As stated earlier, when the director gives you notes, you must write them down. During the post-rehearsal note taking session, write these notes in a notebook. If the director is referring to a specific scene or moment within your performance, write this down beside the note for referencing purposes.

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While you are rehearsing on stage, you must always keep your script on hand as well as a pencil. There are many times when the director will stop you in the middle of your performance to give you a note. These notes may be about your actual performance or about blocking. Either way, when the director gives you a note, write this down in your script beside the line or scene description that is applicable.