Keep the Shown Object Visible

Supplied materials

• Paper and a pencil, or typed notes. Draw the audience edge, figure, and displayed object for a stage plan.
• Example: In a paper stage plan, the audience must see the performer’s book while it is shown. Which blocking choice follows that requirement? Choices: (A) Angle the body and book toward the audience with a clear line of sight (B) Hide book completely behind the performer (C) Remove the action but retain an unexplained caption (D) Turn book toward the rear wall.
• Try this: In a paper stage plan, the audience must see the performer’s letter while it is shown. Which blocking choice follows that requirement? Choices: (A) Angle the body and letter toward the audience with a clear line of sight (B) Hide letter completely behind the performer (C) Remove the action but retain an unexplained caption (D) Turn letter toward the rear wall.

Learn the idea

A blocking plan shows where people and objects go in a scene. When an object must be visible, face it toward the audience and keep the view clear.

Look at the example. The audience needs to see the book. Face it toward the audience so the figure does not block the view. Draw the plan, and check the audience’s view in rehearsal if you perform the scene.

Label the audience direction and keep the object visible in your drawing. If you perform the scene, check the view from the audience’s place during rehearsal.

1. Read the example’s requirement to show a book. Find the choice that gives the audience a clear view.
2. Compare facing the book toward the audience with hiding it behind the figure. Explain which keeps the book visible.
3. Try the check question and the three practice questions. Then read the feedback.
4. Sketch an audience edge and a figure showing a map; angle the map so the figure does not hide it.
5. Check your work. The map and audience direction are labeled and no figure boundary blocks the planned sightline.

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Take it further

Try a new example: In a paper stage plan, the audience must see the performer’s box while it is shown. Which blocking choice follows that requirement? Choices: (A) Angle the body and box toward the audience with a clear line of sight (B) Hide box completely behind the performer (C) Remove the action but retain an unexplained caption (D) Turn box toward the rear wall. Answer: Angle the body and box toward the audience with a clear line of sight. The audience needs to see the box. Face it toward the audience so the figure does not block the view. Draw the plan, and check the audience’s view in rehearsal if you perform the scene. Make your own: Sketch an audience edge and a figure showing a map; angle the map so the figure does not hide it. Check your work: The map and audience direction are labeled and no figure boundary blocks the planned sightline.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.