Sides

Definition

In the context of production, 'sides' refers to the individual sections or segments of a script or screenplay that are used for auditions or rehearsals. Each side contains specific scenes intended for actors to perform, helping casting directors evaluate their suitability for a role. Understanding sides is essential for both actors and production teams during the casting and preparation phases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sides are typically selected from the larger script to highlight specific character traits and interactions relevant to the audition process.
2. Casting directors often provide sides to actors ahead of time to allow them adequate preparation for auditions.
3. Sides can vary in length but usually consist of only a few pages, focusing on key moments that showcase an actor's skills.
4. Actors may receive multiple sides for different roles during a single audition session, demonstrating versatility in performance.
5. Understanding the context of the scene and character motivations in the sides is crucial for delivering a compelling audition.

Review Questions

• How do sides facilitate the audition process for actors and casting directors?
  • Sides serve as focused excerpts from a script that allow actors to demonstrate their abilities in specific scenes during auditions. For casting directors, these selected sections help evaluate an actor's fit for a role without requiring them to perform the entire script. By using sides, both parties can streamline the audition process, making it more efficient and targeted.
• Discuss the importance of preparing sides in advance of auditions and how it impacts an actor's performance.
  • Preparing sides in advance allows actors to understand their characters and the context of the scenes they will be performing. This preparation helps them make informed choices about their delivery, emotional range, and physicality. When actors come well-prepared with their sides, they can convey a stronger presence during auditions, increasing their chances of being cast.
• Evaluate how the selection of sides influences the overall casting process and the final choices made by casting directors.
  • The selection of sides can greatly influence the casting process by highlighting specific attributes that casting directors seek in candidates. The right sides can showcase an actor's range and adaptability, which are crucial in making final casting decisions. Additionally, well-chosen sides can reflect the thematic elements of the production and help directors envision how an actor fits within the broader narrative, ultimately affecting which actors are brought onto a project.

Related terms

Script: A written document that outlines the dialogue, actions, and directions for a film, play, or television show.

Audition: A performance by an actor to demonstrate their suitability for a particular role, often using sides provided by the casting director.

Casting Call: An announcement inviting actors to audition for specific roles in a film, television show, or theater production.