The world of theatre scripting is rich with its own set of shorthand and jargon. Understanding these abbreviations can help you navigate the complexities of playwriting with ease. In this article, we’ll delve into the ABCs of theatre scripting and decode some of the most commonly used abbreviations for English playwriting.
A
A.C.T.
- Academic Credits or Audience Capacity: This abbreviation can refer to the number of academic credits a play is worth in an educational setting or the capacity of the audience the play is intended for.
A.D.
- Anno Domini: Latin for “in the year of our Lord,” this is the commonly used dating system for years after the birth of Christ.
B
B.O.C.
- Book of Common Prayer: A liturgical book used by the Anglican Church, it can sometimes be referenced in play scripts when describing a religious setting.
B.S.
- Before Scene: Used to denote actions or dialogue that occur before a scene begins but are important for context.
C
C.C.
- Chorus Comment: Comments made by the chorus, a group of characters in Greek tragedy, to provide background information or express the opinion of the group.
C.O.A.
- Costume Outline: A detailed description of the costumes worn by the characters in a play.
D
D.O.C.
- Dramatic Outline: A summary of the play’s events and structure, often used as a blueprint for the script.
D.O.A.
- Dead on Arrival: Used in a script to indicate that a character has died at the end of a scene or act.
E
E.D.
- Exit Dialogue: Dialogue spoken by a character as they exit the stage.
E.O.C.
- End of Scene: Marks the conclusion of a scene, indicating that the characters will soon exit the stage.
F
F.O.H.
- Front of House: Refers to the area of a theatre where the audience sits, as opposed to the backstage area.
F.O.S.
- Full of Sound: Describes a scene that is filled with dialogue or sound effects.
G
G.A.
- Graceful Exit: Used to describe the manner in which a character leaves the stage, often indicating a dignified departure.
G.O.A.T.
- Greatest of All Time: While not specific to playwriting, this abbreviation can be used humorously to describe a character or play that is particularly memorable or iconic.
H
H.S.
- Headset: A device worn by actors to receive instructions or sound cues from the stage manager or sound operator.
H.A.D.
- High Angle of Dramatic Interest: Describes a scene that is particularly engaging or suspenseful.
I
I.C.
- Interlude: A short segment of a play that serves as a break or interruption in the main narrative.
I.D.
- Identity: Describes the character’s personal background, beliefs, and motivations.
J
J.C.
- Joining Character: A character who enters the play later in the action and joins the existing cast.
J.D.
- Just Dialogue: A script note indicating that the following lines are spoken by the character alone, without interruption.
K
K.D.
- Kilometers per Day: Used in scripts to indicate the rate at which a character is traveling.
K.O.
- Knock Out: Used to describe a character who is knocked unconscious.
L
L.O.T.
- Line of Thought: A script note indicating the character’s internal thought process or train of thought.
L.O.C.
- Line of Command: Describes the relationship between characters in terms of authority and control.
M
M.D.
- Main Dialogue: The primary dialogue lines spoken by a character.
M.S.
- Mileage per Second: Used in scripts to indicate the speed at which a character is traveling.
N
N.O.C.
- Not Otherwise Called: A script note indicating that a character does not have a specific name but is referred to by a description or role.
N.O.T.
- Non-Other Than: A script note indicating that a character is not to be confused with another character with a similar name or role.
O
O.C.
- Off Camera: Used to indicate actions or dialogue that occur off-screen but are important for the scene.
O.D.
- Off Duty: Describes a character who is not working or performing.
P
P.O.V.
- Point of View: The perspective from which a scene is presented, often used in scripts to indicate the viewpoint of a particular character.
P.R.
- Press Release: A script note indicating that a character is about to deliver a press release or make a public statement.
Q
Q.R.
- Quietly Raps: A script note indicating that a character is whispering or murmuring to themselves.
Q.V.
- Quod Vis: Latin for “as you wish,” often used as a script note to indicate that the specific details of a scene or action are left up to the director or performers.
R
R.A.
- Right Angle: Used to describe the position of a character in relation to other characters on the stage.
R.C.
- Running Change: Describes the quick change of a character’s costume during a scene.
S
S.A.
- Side Angle: Used to describe the position of a character in relation to other characters on the stage, but at a diagonal angle.
S.D.
- Scene Description: A detailed description of the setting, props, and other elements of a scene.
T
T.C.
- Table Center: Describes the position of a character at the center of a table during a scene.
T.P.
- Take Place: A script note indicating that a scene or action is to take place at a specific location.
U
U.O.C.
- Under Observation: A script note indicating that a character is being watched or monitored.
U.P.
- Upstage: The area of the stage in front of the actors, where the audience sits.
V
V.O.
- Voice Over: Dialogue or narration spoken by a character who is not on stage.
V.S.
- Voice Staging: Describes how a character’s voice should be delivered or modified for effect.
W
W.A.
- Walk Away: A script note indicating that a character is to leave the stage by walking away.
W.O.
- Walk On: Describes a character entering the stage by walking onto the stage.
X
X.O.
- Extraordinary Occasion: A script note indicating that a scene should be treated with a sense of special occasion or significance.
X.P.
- Exterior Play: Describes a scene that takes place outside.
Y
Y.A.
- Year of the Audience: A script note indicating that a scene should be tailored to the interests or values of the audience.
Y.R.
- Year Round: Describes a play or production that is performed continuously throughout the year.
Z
Z.I.
- Zero In: A script note indicating that a character is focusing their attention or intent on a particular subject or action.
Z.P.
- Zero Point: Describes the moment in a scene where the tension or conflict reaches its peak.
By understanding these abbreviations and their meanings, you’ll be well on your way to decoding the lingo of theatre scripting and navigating the world of English playwriting with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned playwright or a beginner, these abbreviations will help you communicate effectively with directors, actors, and other theatre professionals.