Part of the director’s process for directing a play is the creation of a text called the promptbook. In the 17th century a promptbook was simply the play text used by the prompter to cue actors who had forgotten their lines. Not so, in the 21st century.
A 21st century promptbook is the textual analysis of a play. This analysis helps the director guide the actors through their roles. A promptbook might include French scene analysis, photos, drawings of the set or costumes, but certainly includes an annotated play-script. A promptbook includes any and all things that male it easier for a director to help their actors live out their role.
Below is a photo of a page from one of my promptbooks for this season. I’ll give a shiny nickel to anyone who can guess the play.
Tags: Plimoth, Plimoth Plantation, Plimoth Players, Process, Shakespeare, Theater, Theatre