Wiki Page, Oklahoma High School- Drama/Theatre Course (OK Art Tech): 11.5 Stage Directions: Blocking

Wiki Page
2025-03-06T08:26:14-06:00

Blocking

Introduction

Another important element of stage directions is blocking. Blocking is the actors' movements and positions on stage during the performance. Every move an actor makes (walking across the stage, climbing stairs, sitting in a chair, falling to the floor, getting down on one knee) is a part of blocking.

The director, someone who supervises the actors and directs the action in the play, usually establishes the blocking. Once a scene is blocked, the actors practice the prescribed movements during rehearsals and performances. Actors memorize both the blocking and the lines of the script. Meaningful repetition is the key to accurate blocking.

Watch the video below to observe how the actor moves from one stage section to another and how each section can have a different meaning when blocking a play.

Video: Stage Directions and Blocking | Theatre Essentials

Homegrown Theatre Camp. Stage Directions and Blocking | Theatre Essentials. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/R_KD-WHdxhQ?si=NJ9ZJxYwG31h1yrR

Click on the button at the bottom of the video to access the closed captions.

Guiding Questions

By yourself, or with a partner, answer the following questions before moving on to the next page.

1. According to the video, which part of the stage is the most confrontational and works well for scenes with fights?

2. Why is blocking important to developing a show?

Check Answer