Subtext - "What's Under the Line" (with exercises)

"What is said under the line..."

Subtext: (the beginnings of the interior monologue)

Learning Goal: Students will be able to identify the potential ‘subtext’ under their lines (based on the given circumstances) and they will know how to write it down into the script.

Objective: This will allow them to create bolder and more believable characters, make stronger choices in their delivery, and proficiently perform various scenes using the ‘subtext’ under the line. 

Procedure:

STEP 1    

Students will play “Translator”

to introduce them to the concept of subtext.

 Four students take the stage in this improv exercise.

-Two students are cast in the role of foreign dignitaries from fictional lands

-Two others serve as interpreters for the dignitaries as they converse.

The Game: The foreign dignitaries speak only in gibberish but convey their meaning through vocal inflection, hand gestures, facial expression and body language.

The translators speak English and attempt to translate the "subtext" from gibberish to English and keep the scene moving.

TALK ABOUT: 
Class discussion 

What is SUBTEXT? (how does it work?)

What is the line that is not spoken?

Subtext is what gives the spoken line particular meaning.

(SUBTEXT changes interpretation, and will depend on each actor)

STEP 2    

Students play “Line-o-rama” of subtext.

A whole line of students (5 or 6 at a time) get up on stage

One phrase is given to the whole group.

“please pass the salt” 

“just what I always wanted”

“hello, how are you?”.

They take one blank NOTE CARD and they will write a mine of subtext. Then they deliver the line with the subtext they wrote on the card informing the delivery. 
The audience will try to guess at the subtext.

Were the actors clear and strong with their subtext? [examples of some 'subtext' written on cards: "I Hate You!"; "Notice me!"; "Did I leave the oven on?"; Please forgive me"; "Leave me alone!"]

STEP 3 

Students play out a SUBTEXT Scene 

Groups of 5

In their small groups the students will be rehearsing and presenting a scene 2 ways:

#1.) First they will present their scene with normal dialogue

#2.) Second they "re-do" the scene speaking their subtext aloud instead of their lines.

The Scenario:

It is a family dinner. One member of the family has a big announcement.

The Rules:

1.    EACH CHARACTER MUST HAVE AT LEAST 2 LINES

2.    NOBODY CAN HAVE MORE THAN 3 LINES

3.    When performing the SUBTEXT ONLY scene EVERYTHING SHOULD HAPPEN IN THE SAME ORDER; Your characters should move the same way, the blocking should repeat, the order of who is peaking should remain roughly the same-- It should look like the same scene!

4.    EACH SCENE MUST BEGIN AND END WITH A TABLEAU

5.    EACH CHARACTER MUST HAVE A SPECIFIC AND CLEAR POINT OF VIEW!

Good Luck!

_______________________________________________

ASSESSMENT

Terminology/Concept: Subtext

Literacy Objectives:

•             Participation in class discussion

•             Respond to what is seen and heard

•             Communicate in a manner to be heard and understood

•             Make an oral presentation

•             Reading for literal and inferential content

•             To interpret a passage orally

•             To compare and contrast

Evaluation:

Students will be informally assessed on participation and effort in playing the games, discussion, and their contribution to their groups during the exercises.

Students will then be more formally assessed on their performance in accordance with the performance rubric and also whether or not (and to what degree) they met the criteria for the challenge.