Understanding Given Circumstances A scene does not simply begin from Point Zero. The events that precede a scene are just as important as the scene itself. An actor or actress who begins a scene without the proper preparation cannot deal completely with a full interpretation of the scene since the interpretation, if it is to be full and meaningful, demands that certain essentials be resolved before the scene begins.

The establishing of the GIVEN CIRCUMSTANCES gives the actor a RIGHT to be in the scene!!

So, we see that whatever moment with which we are involved has been preceded by some circumstance. The present moment (the scene) is enacted and itself is the given circumstance for the next moment (the next scene).

These are some of the questions that the actor should ask himself in order to achieve strong given circumstances.

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Given Circumstances

Instructions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences in reference to your monologue. Understand based on the information you are given; you may have to think outside of the box with your responses to each question when it comes to given. If you limit your answer responses to the information that you are given, you will not be able to elaborate much on each answer. I am not grading you on your ability to be accurate. You will be graded based on your ability to elaborate each response. Use your imagination and commit that to creating details for each question!

1. Where have I been? 1-2 Sentences



2. What was going on there? What was I doing? How do I feel about it? 4-5 sentences.



3. Where am I now? 1-2 sentences



4. What am I going to do here? 2 sentences



5. What has been the routine of my day to this point? 2-3 sentences



6. When is it (Time of day, year, historical period, etc.)? 2-3 detailed sentences.



7. What is the action that I must accomplish this very minute? 2-3 Sentences



8. Who is here? Do I know the people? How do I feel about them? 3-4 detailed sentences

9. Who am I? What is my personality like? 4 complete sentences



10. What are the sensory realities of the place I’m in (What do I see, hear, smell, taste, and touch)? How am I affected by them? What effect do they have on the way in which I begin the scene? 6-7 complete sentences