Beat:
A group of
lines or simple actions all related to the same idea, subject, activity or line
of thought. It may contain
several
actions and several tactics. Breaking up a scene into beats clarifies what an
actor/character is pursuing
from moment to
moment. It also helps create clarity, variety, movement, pace, rhythm, and
tension.
A Beat Change:
This is a
shift to a new idea, activity, line of thought, or subject. Usually a beat
change is marked by a physical
or vocal shift
by one or many actors, it also may represent a tactical shift or a shift in the
Action/Intention/Objective/Tactic
being played by the actor. Not all of the actors agree on where the beat
changes, this
contributes to making scenes more alive.
THE HALLWAY by
Sil Wheatley
Alden is
waiting, nervously.
Nan enters.
She sees him, but he doesn’t see her.
She crosses
past him quickly. He sees her and calls out to her.
ALDEN: Nan!
Nan wait!
NAN: I have to
go.
ALDEN: Please.
I need to talk to you.
NAN: I’m late
for class.
(turns to go)
ALDEN: Wait!
(she doesn’t)
I spoke to
Bonnie.
NAN: Are you
stalking me now!?
ALDEN: No. Of
course not. I was just worried.
NAN: About
what?
ALDEN: About
you! About us.
NAN: There is
no us.
ALDEN: She
told me that you been to the doctor and-
NAN: Ugh, I’ll
kill her!
ALDEN: Nan
please tell me if it’s true.
NAN: If what’s
true?
ALDEN: Are you…?
Or did you-?
NAN: It’s none
of your business! It’s my body and my life!
ALDEN: It’s my
responsibility!
(Silence)
NAN: I have to
go.
ALDEN: Please.
NAN: Leave me
alone.
ALDEN: I can’t.
NAN: (exiting)
Why not!
(She exits.)
ALDEN: (Alone)
Because I love
you.
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