From the page to rehearsal

Scene studies for actors

Read the scene. Find what your character wants. Try the choices out loud. Practical studies of film screenplays, written for actors.

One scene. Choices to try.

Each study takes one scene and follows the work on both sides of the conversation: objectives, resistance, shifts in approach and the moments that demand a response. Start with the screenplay, then take the exercise into rehearsal.

Good Will Hunting (1997) film poster featuring Matt Damon and Robin WilliamsGood Will Hunting · 1997

Good Will Hunting: listening when the jokes stop

Study Sean and Will’s Boston Common scene through objectives, changing tactics and the work of the actor with fewer lines. Finish with a three-pass rehearsal exercise.

Listening · Changing tactics · Subtext

Read the scene study

Have a scene of your own?

Use our rehearsal guides to break down the pages, learn your cues and prepare for a spoken run.

Browse the rehearsal guides