What Does Sides Mean in Musical Theatre?

Musical Theatre|Theater

Sides are the individual sections of a musical theatre script that are given to actors for their specific roles. These sides usually include the lyrics, dialogue, and choreography for each scene. The term “sides” comes from the fact that these sections of the script are often printed on both sides of a single sheet of paper, hence the name.

Sides provide actors with a detailed look at their characters and help them memorize lines and blocking. They are typically given out during auditions or rehearsals, depending on when they are needed. They may also be used to give specific instructions or notes to the actor throughout production.

In Performance, Sides can be used as a guide while on stage. Since they contain all of the necessary information for each specific role, they can be referred to during a performance if an actor forgets their lines or needs to brush up on their blocking. This allows performers to stay in character and not break away from the action while still being able to quickly find what they need in order to keep going.

Advantages, Sides provide several advantages for performers, including:

  • They help actors focus on their roles more easily.
  • They make it easier for directors to give notes and instructions.
  • They provide quick access to lyrics and blocking.
  • They allow performers to quickly find what they need without having to constantly flip through pages.

Disadvantages, While Sides can be beneficial in some situations, there are some drawbacks:

  • It can be difficult for actors who forget lines or blocking while onstage.
  • It can lead to distraction if actors are constantly referring back to their Sides instead of staying focused on their characters.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, sides mean individual sections of a musical theatre script that are given out during auditions or rehearsals. They provide actors with detailed information about their characters and help them memorize lines and blocking faster. While they have advantages such as helping actors focus more easily, there are also some drawbacks such as distraction and difficulty remembering lines without referring back to them too often.