ACTING for Development: Brianna Seleman

1. Theme and Inspiration

 Theme: The primary theme of the piece is the struggle for identity and independence within a
romantic relationship, focusing on how professional success and personal growth can create
both strength and tension in a partnership. Other relevant themes include self-worth, emotional
dependency, jealousy, empowerment, and reconciliation.

 Drama Stimulus: This piece appears to be inspired by relationship dynamics, personal vs. shared
identity, and the balance of professional and personal ambitions. Stimuli from real-life
relationship struggles or societal views on gender roles in relationships could also contribute to
the development.

2. Character Description

 Sarah: A driven, accomplished, and independent woman who values both her career and her
relationship. She represents ambition, strength, and the struggle for balance between self-
fulfillment and partnership. Sarah is composed and logical but grows frustrated and emotional as
she realizes her partner's insecurities are inhibiting her. Despite her assertive nature, she feels
the weight of needing her partner’s support and struggles with how to bridge their differences.

 Objective: Sarah’s main objective is to be understood and supported by Mark without

compromising her independence or success.

 Subtext: Sarah’s deeper struggle is her fear of losing Mark while remaining true to herself. This
tension is evident in her mixed responses, switching between empathy and assertiveness, as she
navigates her feelings of love and self-preservation.

3. Prop Suggestions

 Coffee Mugs: To symbolize companionship and attempts at connection, particularly in the scenes
with Jane.

 Work Files: Represent Sarah's career achievements, which play a significant part in her identity.

 Coat Rack and Mark's Jacket: This symbolizes the divide between Sarah’s personal and
professional space and Mark’s discomfort within it.

 Cell Phone: Important to show Mark’s frequent distractions, emphasizing his divided attention
and professional obligations.

 Tissue Box: Suggests the emotional toll of the relationship’s strain, used subtly to show
vulnerability.

4. Director's Notes

 Setting the Atmosphere: The set should feel warm and cozy, using soft, warm lighting to
underscore the tension between comfort and conflict within Sarah’s living room. This contrast
visually shows Sarah’s professional success clashing with her personal life.
  Body Language and Tone: Sarah should carry herself with confidence but soften when around
Jane, reflecting her comfort with her friend. When around Mark, her body language should
express both authority and vulnerability. Moments of eye contact, pauses, and thoughtful
gestures will deepen the tension and intimacy in her dialogue.

 Pacing and Intensity: The argument between Sarah and Mark should build from calm attempts
at discussion to passionate exchanges, with pauses to let the emotional weight sink in. The
pacing should slow in moments of vulnerability or realization to allow the audience to connect
with Sarah’s internal conflict.

5. Rehearsal Techniques

 Hot-Seating: Place Brianna in the “hot seat” to answer questions as Sarah about her
motivations, career goals, and her relationship with Mark. This exercise helps develop Sarah’s
backstory and emotional responses.

 Emotion Memory: Brianna could explore personal experiences of feeling misunderstood or

undervalued to channel authentic emotions into her performance. This technique helps in
expressing genuine frustration and vulnerability.

 Mirroring Exercise: Brianna and the actor playing Mark can use mirroring exercises to explore
each other’s body language and emotions, creating a natural sense of intimacy and conflict in
their interactions.

 Role Reversal: Brianna and the actor playing Mark could reverse roles briefly to gain insight into
each other’s character perspectives, enhancing empathy and nuanced performance.

 Scripted Improvisation: Encourage Brianna and the actor playing Mark to improvise lines around
key themes (jealousy, dependency, empowerment). This will help them react more naturally and
find deeper meaning in their scripted dialogue.

6. Performance Preparation for Brianna (Sarah)

 Voice Work: Brianna should focus on varying her vocal intensity. Her voice should begin calm
and professional, then build in volume and urgency, peaking during her argument with Mark
before softening in moments of reflection with Jane.

 Physicality: Sarah’s movements should be assertive, like her stance and gestures, while pacing
reflects her internal conflict. When speaking with Jane, her body language should relax slightly to
show trust and ease.

 Facial Expressions: Brianna should convey Sarah’s emotions—determination, frustration,

empathy, and vulnerability—through expressive but controlled facial expressions, especially
when showing conflicting feelings towards Mark.

 Emotional Build-Up: Gradually intensify Sarah’s responses to show the cumulative effect of
Mark’s insecurities, ending in a moment of resolve where Sarah stands her ground.

This approach will help Brianna develop a nuanced portrayal of Sarah and bring out the complex
emotions and themes in "Shattered Truths" (or its new title) effectively.