Step-by-Step Instructions for Blocking a Scene

Blocking is the process of planning where actors will move and stand on stage during a scene. Effective blocking helps tell the story, emphasizes key moments, and keeps the performance dynamic. Here’s how to block your scene step by step:

1. Read and Understand the Scene
Before you start blocking, make sure you fully understand the scene.
• Read the script carefully and make notes about the important moments.
• Identify key actions and emotions in the scene. For example, if a character is angry or excited, think about how their movements might reflect that.
• Determine relationships between characters—who is speaking, who is listening, and how they interact.

2. Visualize the Stage
Imagine how your scene will look on stage. You can also draw a simple stage map/ Ground Plan to help plan your blocking.
• Label the stage areas: Upstage (far from the audience), Downstage (closer to the audience), Stage Left, Stage Right, and Center Stage.
• Think about the focus: Where do you want the audience to look? Place key actions where they can be easily seen.

3. Identify Character Movements
Think about where each character needs to be during the scene and how they will move.
• Mark entrances and exits: Decide where each character will come from and where they will exit.
• Plan major actions: For example, if a character sits, stands, or picks something up, decide when and where that will happen.
• Use levels: Characters can sit, stand, kneel, or use props (like chairs or platforms) to add variety and interest to the scene.

4. Use Stage Directions
Now that you have a sense of the stage, start adding stage directions for each character’s movements.
• When a character moves toward the audience, that’s moving downstage.
• If they move away from the audience, they’re going upstage.
• Moving to the left or right refers to the actor’s perspective, so Stage Left is the actor’s left (which is the audience’s right), and Stage Right is the actor’s right (the audience’s left).

Write down these directions in your script like this:
• “John crosses from Stage Left to Center Stage.”
• “Maria moves downstage and sits.”

5. Consider the Relationships
Blocking should reflect the relationships between characters.
• If two characters are close, they might stand closer together. If they’re in conflict, they might stand farther apart or face away from each other.
• Think about eye contact and body language. Where characters face can show who they’re focusing on or how they feel about each other.

6. Keep the Scene Dynamic
Make sure your blocking adds movement and keeps the scene interesting.
• Avoid having characters stand still for too long, especially during long speeches. Movement, like crossing the stage or changing position, can add energy to the scene.
• Change levels to make the scene visually engaging. For example, if one character sits while another stands, it creates contrast.

7. Rehearse the Blocking
Once you’ve planned your blocking, rehearse it with your group.
• Practice the movements slowly at first to make sure everyone knows where to go.
• Adjust blocking if it feels awkward or if the stage space doesn’t work the way you imagined.
• Keep rehearsing the blocking until it feels natural and the movements support the story.

8. Adjust for Props and Set Pieces
If your scene involves props or set pieces, plan your blocking around them.
• Make sure characters can easily access props when they need them. For example, if someone picks up a letter, block the scene so they’re near the table where it’s placed.
• Block movements around larger set pieces, like furniture, to avoid awkward moments on stage.

9. Mark Your Blocking
Once you have solid blocking, mark it in your script or make a blocking chart. This will help you remember where to move during rehearsals and performances.
• Write simple stage directions next to your lines to remind you where you need to be and when to move.

10. Stay Flexible
Blocking isn’t set in stone! Be open to adjustments during rehearsals as you see what works or doesn’t.
• You may need to tweak blocking based on feedback from your director or changes in the set or props.
• The goal is to make sure your blocking supports the emotions and storytelling of your scene.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to block your scene in a way that brings your performance to life and keeps the audience engaged. Make sure to rehearse your blocking with your group so everything feels smooth and natural during your performance!