©2015 - Maestro Theatre Publications All rights reserved.titansonstage.weebly.com/uploads/5/...a_script_and... · ©2015 - Maestro Theatre Publications All rights reserved. 3 The

©2015 - Maestro Theatre Publications All rights reserved.

1


2

ACTOR TOOL #4:

HOW TO SCORE A SCRIPT

&

LIST OF ACTION VERBS


3

The Body, The Voice, The Imagination Actor Tool #4: How to Score a Script & List of Action Verbs

by Rick Garcia, Renee Buchanan, Mandy Epley, Patty MacMullen

© 2015 by Maestro Theatre Publications, LLC. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any written, electronic, recording, or photocopying without written permission of the publisher or authors. The exception would be in the case of brief quotations embodied in the critical articles or reviews and pages where permission is specifically granted by the publisher or authors.

The authors are currently active educators and they remain sensitive to the constraints on educational arts budgets. As the book industry continues to define the future of electronic publishing and privacy control, the authors ask that you practice ethical ownership of this material.

Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for damages that may result from the use of information contained within.

Books may be purchased by contacting the publisher and authors at www.maestrotheatre.com


4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to Score a Script ............................................................................................................................................................. 5

Action Verb List ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7

BIOGRAPHIES AND CREDITS ........................................................................................................................................... 41


5

HOW TO SCORE A SCRIPT

Actors perform actions. All actions are verbs. Unfortunately, actors and directors alike, miscommunicate by stating adjectives as the desired objective, instead of using the language of verbs. Directors often say things like, “Be happier,” or “you’re depressed here.” Actors also describe choices with, “I’m weird in this scene”, or “this is my nice moment”. It is impossible to “happy”. “Happy” is not a verb. You cannot “happy” someone. It is impossible to “weird”. “Weird” is not a verb. This over-all, adjective-based understanding of the character or the scene is important and an important part of the character analysis, but an actor must master that he or she can only perform actions and all actions are verbs.

So how does an actor incorporate verbs? A scene can be broken down into units or beats. Various schools of acting disagree on the definition of a beat. Maestro calls “moments” beats. A “moment” in the dialogue is accomplished by the actor playing the appropriate verb for his or her objective.

A unit is where the subject changes within the dialogue. Beats happen within units. There is no formula; a skilled actor and director hear the subject or unit change. Because character psychology is often hidden in subtext, the unit changes can likewise be vague and therefore debatable. A unit change provides an actor an opportunity to play a different tactic-objective-what do you want?-what are you fighting for?-purpose. Each of those words or phrases (tactic, objective, what do you want? what are you fighting for? purpose) come from reputable schools of acting; pick one; they all mean the same thing: A VERB.

When an actor decides on the appropriate verb he or she writes that verb into the script. This note in the script is the beginning of what the industry calls scoring a script.

For example:

Actor A: Hi To flirt

Actor B: Sorry, I didn’t see you. To avoid

Scoring can be very complicated. Scoring a script means taking each unit or beat and writing the specific, playable verb next to the line. Verb objective should most always be aimed at the character(s) you are speaking to in the scene. What does your character want to do to another character(s) or get from the other character(s)? If the chosen verb is not a precise, or "playable" verb then the acting is vague. If an actor is questioned by a director, “What are you doing in this unit or scene?” and the actor replies, “Well, I’m sort of trying to…” Then the scene will be a “sort of” scene, an attempt, a vague kind of general performance.


6

Young performers struggle with vocabulary when picking verbs. Often they will say their verb is “To Tell, “To Say, To Communicate or “To Make Them Understand What I am Saying”. It is important to encourage actors to work to go beyond the basic verbs centering on the act of talking or speech.

Some verb objectives are literal and elementary: “Hi” To greet

Some units or beats are more complicated and filled with subtext: “Hi” To dismiss

An actor can chose verbs that are more metaphorical or symbolic:

“I took the money!” To vomit the poison

Verb selection, marking beats and unit changes is the beginning of scoring a script. Know that scoring includes many more directorial analysis and notations not covered in this book. This resource book offers the following verb list as an introduction to the actor’s homework. Broadening an actor’s verb or action vocabulary will help them to create more complex characters that make deeper choices on stage.


7

ACTION VERB LIST

List of action verbs starting with A

Abandon

Abate

Abduct

Abide

Abolish

Abominate

Abort

Abound

Abrade

Abridge

Abrogate

Abscond

Absolve

Absorb

Abstain

Abstract

Abuse

Accede

Accelerate

Accept

Acclaim

Accommodate

Accompany

Accomplish

Accost

Accumulate

Achieve

Acknowledge

Acquaint

Acquiesce

Acquire

Acquit

Act

Activate

Adapt

Add

Address

Adhere

Adjust

Administer

Admire

Admit

Admonish

Adopt

Adore

Adorn

Advance

Advertise

Advise

Advocate

Affect

Affirm

Afflict

Affix

Affront

Aggravate

Agitate

Agonize

Agree

Aid

Ail

Aim

Air

Alarm

Alienate

Alert

Align

Alleviate

Allocate

Allot

Allow

Allure

Alter

Amaze

Amble

Ambush

Amend

Amplify

Amuse

Analyze

Anchor

Anger

Anguish

Annihilate


8

Announce

Annoy

Anoint

Answer

Antagonize

Anticipate

Ape

Apologize

Appall

Appeal

Appear

Appease

Applaud

Apply

Appoint

Appraise

Apprehend

Approach

Appropriate

Approve

Arbitrate

Argue

Arise

Arm

Arouse

Arraign

Arrange

Arrest

Arrive

Articulate

Ascend

Ascertain

Assail

Assault

Assemble

Assert

Assess

Assign

Assimilate

Assist

Associate

Assuage

Assume

Assure

Astonish

Astound

Atone

Attach

Attack

Attain

Attempt

Attend

Attest

Attract

Attribute

Audit

Augment

Auger

Authenticate

Author

Authorize

Automate

Avenge

Aver

Avert

Avoid

Avouch

Avow

Await

Awake

Awaken

Award

Ax

List of action verbs starting with B

Babble

Baby

Back

Back away

Backbite

Back down

Backfire

Back off

Back out

Backpedal

Backslap

Backtrack


9

Back up

Badger

Bad-mouth

Baffle

Bag

Bail

Bait

Bake

Balance

Balk

Ball up

Bamboozle

Ban

Bandage

Bandy

Bang

Bang away

Banish

Banter

Bar

Bare

Barf

Bargain

Barge

Bark

Barrel

Barricade

Barter

Bash

Bask

Baste

Bathe

Batten

Battle

Bawl

Bay

Beam

Bean

Bear

Beat

Becalm

Beckon

Bedazzle

Bedevil

Bedraggle

Befriend

Befuddle

Beg

Begin

Begrudge

Beguile

Behold

Belabor

Belch

Beleaguer

Believe

Belittle

Bellow

Belt

Bemoan

Bend

Berate

Bereave

Beseech

Beset

Besiege

Bestow

Bet

Betray

Bewilder

Bewitch

Bid

Bind

Bitch

Bite

Blab

Blame

Blare

Blast

Blaze

Bleat

Bleed

Blemish

Blend

Bless

Blind

Blink

Block

Bloody

Bloom

Blossom

Blotch

Blow

Bludgeon

Bluff

Blender

Blur

Blurt

Blush

Bluster


10

Boast

Bob

Bobble

Boggle

Boil

Bolster

Bolt

Bombard

Boom

Boost

Boot

Bop

Boss

Bother

Bought

Bounce

Bound

Bow

Box

Brace

Brag

Brainwash

Brand

Brave

Bray

Break

Breakdown

Breathe

Breeze

Bribe

Bridge

Bridle

Brief

Brighten

Bristle

Broach

Broadcast

Broaden

Broil

Brood

Browse

Bruise

Bubble

Buck

Budge

Budget

Bug

Build

Built

Bully

Bumble

Bump

Bundle

Bungle

Burble

Burden

Burn

Burp

Burst

Bury

Bushwhack

Bustle

Butcher

Buttonhole

Buy

Buzz

List of action verbs starting with C

Cackle

Cage

Cajole

Calculate

Calibrate

Call

Calm

Camouflage

Campaign

Canonize

Canvass

Capitalize

Capitulate

Capsize

Captivate

Capture

Care

Careen

Caress

Carouse


11

Carry

Carry off

Carry on

Carry out

Cascade

Cast

Castigate

Castrate

Catalog

Catalogue

Catapult

Catch

Catch up

Categorize

Cater

Caterwaul

Cause

Caution

Cavort

Cease

Celebrate

Censor

Centralize

Certify

Chafe

Chain

Chair

Challenge

Champion

Change

Channel

Chant

Characterize

Charge

Charm

Chart

Chase

Chastise

Chat

Chatter

Cheat

Check

Check in

Checkmate

Check out

Cheer

Cherish

Chew

Chide

Chill

Chime

Chip in

Choke

Choose

Chop

Chortle

Christen

Chronicle

Chuck

Chuckle

Circle

Cite

Claim

Clamp

Clamp down

Clam up

Clap

Clarify

Clasp

Classify

Claw

Clean

Clean up

Clear

Cleave

Clench

Climb

Clinch

Cling

Cloak

Clobber

Clown

Club

Coach

Coast

Coax

Coddle

Code

Coerce

Coil

Collaborate

Collapse

Collar

Collate

Collect

Collude

Color

Comb

Combine

Come


12

Come across

Come upon

Come off

Come out

Come to

Comfort

Command

Commence

Commend

Commit

Communicate

Commute

Compare

Compel

Compete

Compile

Complain

Complete

Complicate

Comply

Compose

Compound

Comprehend

Compress

Compromise

Compute

Con

Conceal

Concede

Conceive

Concentrate

Conceptualize

Concern

Conciliate

Conclude

Concoct

Concur

Condemn

Condense

Condescend

Condone

Conduct

Confer

Confide

Confine

Confirm

Confiscate

Conflict

Conform

Confound

Confront

Confuse

Confute

Congest

Congratulate

Conjure

Connect

Connive

Conquer

Consent

Conserve

Consider

Console

Consign

Conspire

Consolidate

Constrain

Construct

Consult

Consume

Contact

Contain

Contaminate

Contemplate

Contend

Contest

Continue

Contort

Contract

Contradict

Contrast

Contribute

Contrive

Control

Convene

Converge

Convert

Convey

Convict

Convince

Convulse

Coo

Cool

Cooperate

Coordinate

Cope

Cop out

Copy

Corral

Correct


13

Correlate

Correspond

Corroborate

Corrupt

Counsel

Count

Counter

Counteract

Counter-attack

Counterfeit

Cover

Cower

Crack

Crack down

Crackle

Cradle

Cram

Cramp

Crane

Crank

Crank out

Create

Cringe

Criticize

Critique

Crucify

Crush

Cue

Cultivate

Curse

Customize

List of action verbs starting with D

Damn

Dare

Deal

Deal with

Debate

Debug

Deceive

Decide

Deck

Declaim

Declare

Decline

Decommission

Decompose

Decompress

Decontaminate

Decorate

Decoy

Decrease

Decree

Decry

Dedicate

Deduce

Deduct

Deem

Deemphasize

Deepen

Deescalate

Deface

Defame

Defeat

Defend

Defer

Defile

Define

Deflate

Deflect

Defraud

Defuse

Defy

Degenerate

Deign

Delay

Delegate

Delete

Deliberate

Delight

Delineate

Deliver

Delude

Delve

Demand

Demean

Demolish

Demonstrate

Demoralize


14

Demote

Denigrate

Denounce

Denunciate

Deny

Depart

Depend

Depict

Deplete

Deplore

Deploy

Deport

Deprecate

Depreciate

Depress

Deprive

Derail

Derive

Descend

Describe

Desecrate

Desert

Design

Designate

Desire

Desist

Despair

Despise

Destroy

Detach

Detain

Detail

Detect

Deter

Deteriorate

Determine

Detest

Detour

Detract

Devastate

Develop

Deviate

Devil

Devise

Devote

Devour

Diagnose

Diagram

Dial

Dicker

Dictate

Die

Differ

Differentiate

Dig

Digest

Dig in

Dig up

Dignify

Digress

Dillydally

Dilute

Dim

Diminish

Dine

Dip

Direct

Disable

Disagree

Disappear

Disappoint

Disapprove

Disarm

Disavow

Disburse

Discard

Discern

Discharge

Discipline

Disclaim

Disclose

Disconcert

Disconnect

Discount

Discourage

Discover

Discredit

Discriminate

Discuss

Disdain

Disenchant

Disgorge

Disgrace

Disgruntle

Disguise

Disgust

Dish

Dishearten

Dishevel

Dishonor


15

Dish out

Disillusion

Disintegrate

Dislike

Dislodge

Dismantle

Dismiss

Dismount

Disobey

Disorganize

Disorient

Disown

Disparage

Dispatch

Dispel

Dispense

Disperse

Display

Displease

Disprove

Dispute

Disqualify

Disrobe

Disrupt

Dissect

Displease

Disseminate

Dissolve

Dissuade

Distance

Distil

Distinguish

Distort

Distract

Distress

Distribute

Disturb

Dive

Diverge

Diversify

Divert

Divest

Divide

Divine

Divulge

Do

Do away

Document

Dodge

Dog

Do in

Dole

Doll up

Dominate

Domineer

Donate

Doodle

Dote

Double

Double cross

Double up

Doubt

Doze

Draft

Drag

Drain

Dramatize

Drape

Draw

Drawl

Draw out

Draw up

Dread

Dream

Dream up

Dredge

Dress

Dress down

Drew

Drift

Drill

Drink

Drip

Drive

Drone

Drool

Droop

Drop

Drop back

Drop behind

Drop in

Drop off

Drop out

Drown

Drub

Drum

Drum up

Dry

Dub

Duck


16

Duel

Dumbfound

Dump

Dupe

Duplicate

Dwell

Dwindle

List of action verbs starting with E

Earn

Ease

Eat

Ebb

Echo

Edge

Edit

Educate

Effect

Effervesce

Egg

Eject

Eke

Elaborate

Elapse

Elbow

Elect

Electrify

Elevate

Elicit

Eliminate

Elongate

Elucidate

Elude

Embarrass

Embody

Embrace

Emcee

Emend

Emerge

Emit

Emote

Emphasize

Employ

Empty

Emulate

Enable

Enchant

Encircle

Enclose

Encompass

Encounter

Encourage

Encroach

Encumber

End

Endanger

Endear

Endeavor

Endorse

Endure

Energize

Enflame

Enfold

Enforce

Engage

Engineer

Engross

Engulf

Enhance

Enjoy

Enlarge

Enlighten

Enlist

Enmesh

Enrage

Enrapture

Enrich

Ensnare

Ensure

Entangle

Enter

Entertain

Enthrall

Enthuse

Entice

Entrap

Entreat

Entrench

Entrust


17

Enumerate

Enunciate

Envelope

Envisage

Envy

Equalize

Equate

Equip

Equivocate

Eradicate

Erase

Erect

Erode

Err

Erupt

Escalate

Escape

Eschew

Escort

Establish

Estimate

Evade

Evaluate

Evict

Evoke

Evolve

Exacerbate

Exact

Exaggerate

Exalt

Examine

Exasperate

Exceed

Excel

Exchange

Excite

Exclaim

Exclude

Excuse

Execute

Exemplify

Exercise

Exert

Exhale

Exhaust

Exhibit

Exhort

Exile

Exit

Expand

Expect

Expedite

Expel

Experience

Experiment

Expire

Explain

Explode

Exploit

Explore

Expose

Express

Extemporize Extend

Extol

Extract

Extrapolate

Exude

Exult

Eye

List of action verbs starting with F

Fabricate

Face

Facilitate

Fade

Fail

Faint

Fake

Fall

Fall back

Fall flat

Fall for

Fall short

Falsify

Falter

Fan

Familiarize


18

Fantasize

Fascinate

Fashion

Fasten

Fast talk

Fatigue

Fear

Feed

Feel

Feign

Fetch

Fib

Fiddle

Fidget

Fight

Figure

Fill

Fill in

Fill up

File

Filter

Finagle

Finalize

Find

Fine-tune

Finger

Finish

Fix

Fizzle

Flail

Flame

Flap

Flash

Flatten

Flatter

Flaunt

Flee

Flinch

Fling

Flip

Flirt

Flit

Float

Flock

Flop

Flounder

Flow

Flower

Flub

Fluctuate

Fluff

Fluster

Flutter

Fly

Foam

Focus

Foil

Fold

Follow

Fondle

Fool

Forbear

Forbid

Force

Forebode

Forecast

Forego

Foresee

Forfeit

Forget

Forgive

Forge

Form

Formulate

Forsake

Fortify

Forward

Foster

Foul

Foul up

Found

Frame

Free

Free load

Freeze

Fret

Frighten

Frisk

Fritter

Frolic

Frown

Frustrate

Fry

Fuddle

Fudge

Fuel

Fulfill

Fumble

Fume

Fund


19

Furnish Further Fuss

List of action verbs starting with G Gab

Gabble

Gag

Gage

Gain

Gall

Gallivant

Gallop

Galvanize

Gambol

Gamble

Game

Gang

Gape

Garble

Gargle

Garnish

Gasp

Gather

Gauge

Gawk

Gaze

Generalize

Generate

Gesticulate

Gesture

Get

Get along

Get by

Gibe

Giggle

Gild

Gird

Give

Give examples

Give in

Give out

Give up

Gladden

Glamorize

Glance

Glare

Glimmer

Glisten

Glitter

Gloat

Glorify

Gloss

Glow

Glower

Gnash

Gnaw

Go

Goad

Go at

Go back on

Gobble

Go for

Goof

Go on

Go one better

Go out

Go over

Go to bat for

Goose

Gossip

Gouge

Govern

Grab

Grade

Graft

Grant

Gratify

Grapple

Grasp

Grate

Gratify

Grease

Greet

Grieve

Grill

Grimace

Grin

Grind


20

Grip

Gripe

Groan

Grope

Grouch

Group

Grouse

Grow

Growl

Grub

Grudge

Grumble

Grunt

Guarantee

Guard

Guess

Guide

Guild

Guile

Gulp

Gurgle

Gush

List of action verbs starting with H

Hack

Haggle

Hail

Hallow out

Hallucinate

Halt

Ham

Hammer

Hamper

Hand

Handcuff

Handicap

Handle

Handpick

Hang

Hang in

Hang on

Hang up

Harangue

Harass

Harbor

Harden

Harken

Harm

Harness

Harp

Hassle

Hasten

Hatch

Hate

Haul

Haunt

Have at

Have done with

Have to do with

Hawk

Haze

Head

Heal

Heap

Hear

Heat

Heave

Heckle

Hedge

Heed

Heighten

Heist


21

Help

Hem

Henpeck

Herd

Hesitate

Hide

Highlight

Hinder

Hint

Hire

Hiss

Hit

Hoard

Hobble

Hobnob

Hock

Hog

Hoist

Hold

Hold forth

Hold out

Hold to

Hold with

Holler

Hone

Honk

Honor

Hoodwink

Hook

Hoot

Hop

Hope

Host

Hound

Hover

Howl

Huddle

Hug

Hum

Humble

Humiliate

Humor

Hunger

Hunt

Hurl

Hurry

Hurt

Hush

Hustle

Hypnotize

List of action verbs starting with I

Idealize

Identify

Ignite

Ignore

Illuminate

Illustrate

Imagine

Imitate

Immerse

Immobilize

Impair

Impart

Impersonate

Impinge

Implant

Implement

Implicate

Implore

Imply

Import


22

Importune

Impose

Impress

Improve

Improvise

Impugn

Impute

Incapacitate

Incorporate

Increase

Incriminate

Index

Indicate

Indict

Individualize

Indoctrinate

Induce

Indulge

Infatuate

Infect

Infer

Infest

Infiltrate

Inflame

Inflate

Inflect

Inflict

Influence

Inform

Infringe

Infuriate

Ingratiate

Inhibit

Initiate

Inject

Injure

Innovate

Inquire

Insert

Insinuate

Insist

Inspect

Inspire

Install

Instigate

Instill

Institute

Instruct

Insulate

Insult

Insure

Integrate

Intellectualize

Intend

Intensify

Interact

Intercede

Intercept

Interest

Interfere

Interface

Interject

Intermingle

Interpret

Interrogate

Interrupt

Intersect

Intervene

Interview

Intimate

Intimidate

Intone

Intoxicate

Intrigue

Introduce

Intrude

Inundate

Invade

Invalidate

Inveigle

Invent

Inventory

Invert

Invest

Investigate

Invite

Invoke

Involve

Irk

Irritate

Itch

Itemize


23

List of action verbs starting with J

Jab

Jabber

Jangle

Jail

Jam

Jeer

Jeopardize

Jerk

Jest

Jibe

Jiggle

Jilt

Jimmy

Jimmy Rig

Jingle

Jitter

Join

Joke

Joke Around

Jolly

Jolt

Josh

Jostle

Jot

Jot Down

Judge

Juggle

Jumble

Jumble Up

Jump

Jump through hoops

Junk

Justify

Juxtapose

List of action verbs starting with K

Keep

Keep Back

Keep Down

Keep Off

Keep On

Keep Out

Kick

Kick Around

Kick Hills Up

Kick Out

Kid

Kidnap

Kill

Kink

Kiss

Knee

Kneel

Knife

Knight

Knit

Knock

Knock Down

Knock Out

Knock Over

Knock Up

Knot

Knot Up

Know

Knuckle

List of action verbs starting with L

Label Labor Lace Lack


24

Lag

Lambaste

Lament

Laminate

Lance

Land

Languish

Lap

Lapse

Lap Up

Lash

Lash Out

Last

Lather

Lather Up

Laud

Laugh

Laugh Off

Launch

Lavish

Lay

Lay Off

Lead

Lead On

Leak

Lean

Leap

Learn

Leave

Lecture

Leer

Lend

Lengthen

Lessen

Let

Let Down

Let In

Let Out

Level

Libel

Liberate

License

Lick

Lie

Lift

Light

Lighten

Like

Liken

Limber

Limber Up

Limit

Limp

Line Up

Linger

Link

Liquidate

Liquor Up

Lisp

List

Listen

Litigate

Litter

Live

Liven

Liven Up

Load

Loaf

Loaf Around

Loan

Loathe

Lobby Localize

Locate

Lock

Lock Down

Log

Log In

Log Off

Loiter

Loll

Loll Around

Loll-a-gag

Long

Long for

Look

Look Over

Loom

Loop

Loose

Loosen

Lope

Lose

Lounge

Love

Lumber

Lump

Lunge

Lurch

Lure

Lurk


25

Lust

List of action verbs starting with M

Madden

Magnetize

Magnify

Maim

Maintain

Make

Make Out

Make Up

Malign

Mall

Manage

Mangle

Maneuver

Manipulate

Maneuver

Manufacture

Map

Mar

March

Mark

Market

Marry

Marshall

Mash

Mask

Massacre

Massage

Master

Match

Match Up

Mature

Max

Max Out

Maximize

Mean

Measure

Mechanize

Meddle

Mediate

Meet

Mellow Out

Melt

Memorize

Menace

Mend

Mention

Mentor

Merge

Merit

Mess

Mess Around

Mess Up

Methodize

Milk

Mill

Mime

Mimic

Mince

Mind

Mine

Mingle

Minimize

Minister

Mirror

Misadvise

Misapply

Misbehave

Miscalculate

Misconstrue Miscue

Misdirect

Misread

Misgive

Misguide

Misinform

Misinterpret

Misjudge

Mislay

Mislead

Mismanage

Mismatch

Misplace

Misread

Misreport


26

Misrepresent

Misstate

Misstep

Mistake

Mistrust

Misunderstand

Misuse

Mix

Moan

Mobilize

Mock

Model

Moderate

Modernize

Modify

Modulate

Moisten

Mold

Molest

Mollify

Monitor

Mop

Mope

Mortify

Motion

Motivate

Mount

Mourn

Mouth

Mouth Off

Move

Move Forward

Move On

Move Up

Muddle

Muddle Up

Muffle

Mug

Mull

Mull Over

Multiply

Mumble

Murder

Muscle

Muse

Muster

Mutilate

Muzzle

Mystify

List of action verbs starting with N

Nag

Nail

Name

Narrate

Nauseate

Navigate

Near

Neck

Need

Needle

Negate

Neglect

Negotiate

Neutralize

Nibble

Nick

Nip

Nod

Nominate

Nose

Note

Notice

Notify

Nourish

Nudge

Nullify

Numb

Number

Numerate

Nurse

Nurture

Nuzzle


27

List of action verbs starting with O

Obey

Obfuscate

Object

Obligate

Oblige

Obliterate

Observe

Obstruct

Obtain

Occupy

Offend

Offer

Officiate

Offset

Ogle

Omit

Open

Ooze

Open

Operate

Oppose

Oppress

Opt

Opt in

Opt out

Optimize

Orate

Orbit

Orchestrate

Ordain

Order

Organize

Orient

Orientate

Originate

Ostracize

Oust

Out

Outfit

Outlast

Outline

Outmaneuver

Outmatch

Outshine

Outstrip

Outwit

Overact

Overcome

Overdo

Overemphasize

Overestimate

Overextend

Overflow

Overhaul

Overhear

Overlap

Overlook

Overpower

Overpraise

Overprotect

Overrate

Overreach

Overreact

Override

Overrule

Overrun

Oversee

Oversell

Overshadow

Oversimplify

Overstate

Overstep

Overthrow

Overturn

Overwhelm

Overwork

Owe

Own

Own up

List of action verbs starting with P

Pace Pacify Pack Pack Down


28

Pack Up

Package

Pad

Paddle

Paint

Pair

Palpitate

Pamper

Pan

Panic

Pant

Parade

Paraphrase

Pardon

Pare

Pare Down

Park

Parrot

Part

Participate

Pass

Pass Out

Paste

Patch

Patronize

Pattern

Pause

Paw

Pay

Peal Out

Peck

Peek

Peel

Pelt

Penalize

Penetrate

Pep

Pep Up

Perceive

Perfect

Perform

Permit

Perpetrate

Perplex

Persecute

Persist

Personalize

Persuade

Perturb

Peruse

Pervert

Pester

Pet

Petition

Petrify

Photograph

Phone

Phrase

Pick

Picture

Piece

Piece Together

Pierce

Pile

Pilot

Pin

Pin Down

Pinch

Pinpoint

Pioneer

Pitch

Pity

Placate

Place

Plan

Plant

Plaster

Play

Plead

Please

Pledge

Plod

Plod Along

Plonk

Plot

Plow

Pluck

Plug

Plumb

Plump

Plunder

Plunk

Poach

Pocket

Point

Point Out

Point To

Poison

Poke

Poke At


29

Police

Polish

Ponder

Pontificate

Pool

Poop

Pop

Portion

Portion Out

Portray

Pose

Possess

Post

Pounce

Pound

Pout

Practice

Prance

Pray

Preach

Precipitate

Predetermine

Predict

Preempt

Preface

Prefer

Prejudge

Preoccupy

Prepare

Present

Preserve

Preside

Press

Presume

Presuppose

Pretend

Prevent

Pretty Up

Prevail

Prevent

Price

Prick

Prime

Primp

Print

Prioritize

Prize

Probe

Proceed

Process

Procure

Prod

Produce

Profess

Profit

Program

Progress

Prohibit

Project

Prolong

Promise

Promote

Prompt

Pronounce

Prop

Propagandize

Propel

Propose

Prosecute

Protect

Protest

Protrude

Prove

Provide

Provoke

Prowl

Prune

Pry

Psych

Psychoanalyze

Psych Out

Psych Up

Publicize

Publish

Puff

Puff Up

Puke

Pull

Pull Apart

Pull Down

Pull Off

Pull Together

Pull Up

Pulsate

Pulverize

Pump

Pump Up

Punch

Punctuate

Puncture


30

Punt

Puppet

Purchase

Purge

Pursue

Push

Push Out

Push Up

Put

Put Away

Put Down

Put Up (With)

Puzzle

List of action verbs starting with Q

Quake

Qualify

Quantify

Quarrel

Quench

Query

Question

Quibble

Quicken

Quiet

Quiet Down

Quit

Quiver

Quiz

Quote

List of action verbs starting with R

Race

Radiate

Rag

Rain

Raise

Rake

Rally

Ram

Ramble

Ran

Rank

Rankle

Ransack

Rap

Rate

Ratify

Ration

Rationalize

Rattle

Ravage

Rave

Ravish

Raze

Reach

Reach Out

React

Read

Readjust

Realize

Ream

Ream Out

Reap

Rearrange

Reason

Reason

Rebel

Rebound

Rebuke

Rebuild

Rebut

Recall

Recap

Recapitulate

Recapture

Recast

Recede

Receive

Reciprocate


31

Recite

Reckon

Reclaim

Recline

Recognize

Recoil

Recollect

Recommend

Recommit

Recompense

Reconcile

Recondition

Reconstruct

Record

Recoup

Recount

Recover

Recreate

Recruit

Rectify

Recuperate

Recycle

Redeem

Redistribute

Redo

Redouble

Redress

Reduce

Reenter

Reexamine

Refer

Refine

Reflect

Reform

Refrain

Refund

Refuse

Regain

Regal

Regard

Regenerate

Register

Regress

Regret

Regulate

Rehabilitate

Rehash

Rehearse

Reign

Rein

Reinforce

Reiterate

Reject

Rejoice

Rejoin

Rejuvenate

Relapse

Relate

Relax

Release

Relegate

Relent

Relieve

Relinquish

Relive

Relocate

Remain

Remake

Remark

Remedy

Remember

Remind

Reminisce

Remodel

Remove

Render

Renege

Renew

Rent

Reopen

Reorganize

Repair

Repay

Repeal

Repeat

Repel

Rephrase

Replace

Replay

Replenish

Report

Repossess

Reprehend

Represent

Repress

Reprieve

Reprimand

Reproduce

Reprove

Repudiate


32

Repulse

Repute

Request

Require

Rescind

Rescue

Research

Resend

Resent

Reserve

Resign

Resist

Resolve

Resonate

Resort

Resound

Respond

Restate

Restore

Restrain

Restrict

Resume

Resurge

Resuscitate

Retain

Retake

Retard

Retire

Retort

Retouch

Retract

Retreat

Retrench

Retrieve

Rev Up

Revamp

Reveal

Review

Revel

Revenge

Revere

Revert

Review

Revise

Revitalize

Revive

Revoke

Revolt

Revolve

Rewind

Rework

Rewrite

Rhapsodize

Ricochet

Rid

Ride

Ridicule

Rifle

Rig

Rile

Ring

Rinse

Rip

Rip Out

Ripple

Rise

Roar

Roast

Rob

Rock

Roister

Roll

Roll Out

Romanticize

Romp

Root

Root Out

Rope

Rot

Rot Away

Roughen

Rough Up

Rouse

Route

Rub

Ruffle

Ruffle Up

Rule

Rule Out

Rumble

Ruminate

Rummage

Rumple

Run

Rupture

Rush

Rust

Rustle

Rustle Up


33

List of action verbs starting with S

Sack

Sag

Salivate

Salute

Salvage

Sample

Sanctify

Sashay

Satisfy

Saturate

Saunter

Save

Scamper

Scan

Scare

Scatter

Scavenge

Scintillate

Schedule

Scheme

Scoff

Scold

Scoot

Scorch

Scour

Scram

Scramble

Scrap

Scrape

Scratch

Scrawl

Scream

Screen

Scrimp

Script

Scrounge

Scrunch

Scrutinize

Scuffle

Scurry

Search

Seclude

Second-guess

Secrete

Secure

Sedate

Seduce

See

Seek

Seem

Seep

Seethe

Segment

Seize

Select

Sell

Sell Out

Send

Separate

Sequester

Serve

Service

Set

Set goals

Set up

Settle

Sever

Sew

Shake

Shame

Shape

Share

Sharpen

Shatter

Shave

Shift

Shimmer

Shine

Shiver

Shoot

Shortchange

Shove

Show

Shrink

Shrivel

Shroud

Shrug

Shun


34

Shudder

Shuffle

Shut

Sicken

Sidestep

Sidetrack

Sigh

Signal

Simmer

Simper

Simplify

Simulate

Sing

Sink

Sip

Sit

Sizzle

Sketch

Skim

Skulk

Slam

Slander

Slant

Slash

Slay

Slide

Slip

Slither

Slobber

Slog

Slosh

Slouch

Slug

Slump

Slur

Slurp

Smack

Smash

Smear

Smell

Smirk

Smolder

Smooth

Smother

Smuggle

Snap

Snare

Snarl

Snatch

Sneak

Sneeze

Snicker

Sniff

Sniffle

Snitch

Snoop

Snooze

Snort

Snuggle

Soar

Sober

Socialize

Sock

Soil

Sold

Solemnize

Solicit

Solidify

Solve

Soothe

Sort

Sound

Spar

Spark

Sparkle

Speak

Spearhead

Specialize

Specify

Spell

Spend

Spoil

Spoke

Spur

Squash

Squeak

Squeal

Squeeze

Squelch

Squint

Squirm

Squirt

Stab

Stage

Stagger

Stagnate

Stalk

Stammer

Stamp

Stand


35

Standardize

Stare

Start

Startle

Stash

State

Stay

Steal

Steer

Stem

Stew

Stifle

Still

Stimulate

Sting

Stink

Stipulate

Stir

Stop

Stow

Straighten

Straddle

Strafe

Straggle

Straight-arm

Strain

Straighten

Strangle

Strategize

Stray

Stream

Streamline

Strengthen

Stretch

Stride

Strike

Strip

Structure

Struggle

Strut

Study

Study

Stumble

Stun

Stupefy

Stutter

Subdue

Subdivide

Subjugate

Submit

Subscribe

Subside

Substantiate

Substitute

Substitute

Subvert

Succeed

Succumb

Suck

Suffer

Suffocate

Suggest

Sulk

Summarize

Summon

Supervise

Supplicate

Supply

Support

Suppose

Suppress

Surge

Surmise

Surmount

Surpass

Surprise

Surrender

Survey

Survive

Suspect

Suspend

Sustain

Swagger

Swallow

Swamp

Swap

Swarm

Swear

Sweat

Sweep

Swell

Swelter

Swerve

Swim

Swindle

Swing

Swirl

Swish

Swoon

Symbolize


36

Sympathize Synchronize Synthesize Systematize

List of action verbs starting with T

Tab

Tabulate

Tail

Take

Talk

Tamper

Tan

Tangle

Tantalize

Tap

Target

Tarnish

Tattle

Taught

Taunt

Teach

Tear

Tease

Teem

Teeter

Teethe

Tell

Temp

Temper

Tempt

Tend

Terminate

Terrify

Terrorize

Test

Testify

Thank

Thaw

Theorize

Think

Thrash

Threaten

Thrive

Throb

Throw

Thrust

Thwack

Thwart

Tickle

Tighten

Tilt

Time

Tingle

Tip

Tiptoe

Tire

Titillate

Toast

Toddle

Toil

Tolerate

Tootle

Top

Topple

Torment

Torture

Toss

Tote

Totter

Touch

Toughen

Tour

Tousle

Tout

Tow

Trace

Track

Trade

Trail

Train

Tramp

Trample

Transact

Transcend

Transcribe

Transfer

Transform

Transgress

Translate


37

Transmit

Transport

Transpose

Traumatize

Travel

Tread

Treat

Trick

Trimble

Trespass

Triple

Triumph

Trouble

Troubleshoot

Trounce

Trudge

Trump

Try

Tuck

Tug

Tumble

Turn

Tussle

Tutor

Tweak

Tweet

Tweeze

Twirl

Twist

Twitter

Two-time

Typify

Tyrannize

List of action verbs starting with U

Umpire

Unarm

Unbalance

Unbend

Unbind

Unbolt

Unbuckle

Unburden

Unbutton

Uncage

Uncap

Unchain

Unclasp

Unclench

Unclothe

Uncover

Underact

Undercut

Underestimate

Undergo

Undermine

Underplay

Underrate

Underscore

Undersell

Understand

Understate

Undertake

Undervalue

Underwrite

Undo

Undress

Undulate

Unearth

Unfasten

Unfold

Unglue

Unhand

Unhinge

Unhitch

Unhook

Unify

Unite

Unlatch

Unleash

Unload

Unlock

Unmask

Unnerve

Unpack

Unpin

Unravel


38

Unroll

Unscrew

Unseal

Unseat

Unsettle

Unshackle

Unsnap

Unsnarl

Unstick

Untie

Unveil

Unwind

Unwrap

Upbraid

Update

Upend

Upgrade

Uphold

Uplift

Uproot

Upset

Upturn

Urge

Use

Usurp

Usher

Utilize

List of action verbs starting with V

Vacate

Vacillate

Vacuum

Validate

Value

Vamoose

Vandalize

Vanish

Vanquish

Vary

Vault

Vaunt

Veer

Vegetate

Vend

Ventriloquize

Venture

Verify

Vex

Vibrate

Victimize

Vie

View

Vindicate

Vilify

Vindicate

Violate

Visit

Visualize

Vitalize

Vocalize

Voice

Volley

Volunteer

Vomit

Vote

Vouch

Vow

Vulgarize


39

List of action verbs starting with W

Wad

Waddle

Wade

Waffle

Wag

Wager

Waggle

Wagon

Wail

Wait

Waive

Wake

Walk

Wall

Wallop

Wallow

Waltz

Wander

Wane

Wangle

Want

War

Warble

Warm

Warn

Warp

Warrant

Wash

Waste

Watch

Water down

Wave

Waver

Waylay

Weaken

Wear

Wear down

Weary

Weasel

Weather

Weave

Wed

Wedge

Weed

Weep

Weigh

Welcome

Welsh

Wet

Whack

Wham

Wheedle

Wheel

Wheeze

Whelp

Whet

Whiff

Whiffle

While

Whimper

Whine

Whinny

Whip

Whir

Whisk

Whistle

Whitewash

Whiz

Whoop

Whoosh

Whop

Whore

Widen

Wield

Wiggle

Wile

Will

Wilt

Win

Wince

Wind

Window-shop

Wine

Wing

Wink

Wipe

Wire

Wish

Withdraw

Wither

Withhold

Withstand


40

Witness

Wobble

Wolf

Womanize

Wonder

Word

Woo

Work

Work out

Work up

Worm

Worry

Worsen

Worship

Wound

Wrack

Wrangle

Wrap

Wrap up

Wreak

Wreathe

Wreck

Wrench

Wrestle

Wriggle

Wring

Wrinkle

Write

Write off

Writhe

List of action verbs starting with X

X out Xerox

List of action verbs starting with Y

Yack

Yammer

Yank

Yap

Yawn

Yawp

Yell

Yelp

Yield

Yodel

Yowl

List of action verbs starting with Z

Zap

Zero in

Zigzag

Zing

Zip

Zone

Zone out

Zoom

Zoom in

Zoom out

Zone out


41

BIOGRAPHIES AND CREDITS

BIOGRAPHIES OF BOOK AUTHORS Renee Buchanan has taught in the Texas public school system for over 25 years with most of that time spent teaching theatre. She has a background in early childhood education, special education, secondary English, theatre, speech and debate. She has taught in both large and small school districts across Texas where she has taken five plays to the Texas University Interscholastic League State One-Act Play Contest placing third in 2002 and first in 2006. She has also had success in speech and debate at the state level, as well as, qualifying students at the national level. Renee served as a UIL One-Act Play adjudicator for several years and continues to serve on the Texas Theatre Adjudicators and Officials Standards and Practices Committee. Currently she teaches theatre and speech at Saginaw High School.

Mandy Epley is Fine Arts Director for Comal ISD in New Braunfels, TX. Mandy graduated from Sam Houston State University with a B.F.A. in Theatre, with an emphasis in acting and directing, in 1997. She earned a Masters in Educational Administration at Lamar University in 2009. In addition to acting and directing professionally, she has served as a guest artist at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and Artistic Director of Inception Theatre. In 2009, she was named Brandeis High School Educator of the Year, Northside ISD High School Educator of the Year, and KENS5/SACU Excel Award winner. Her production of After Juliet qualified for the UIL One Act Play Contest in 2010. In 2012, she was named Texas Educational Theatre Association K-12 Educator of the Year. Mandy served as Texas Educational Theatre Association's K-12 Vice President and is a founding member of the Texas Theatre Administrators Conference (TTAC).

Rick Garcia is Theatre Director at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Upper School in Austin, Texas. He has served as guest faculty at The University of Texas at Austin, Southwestern University and Texas A&M Corpus Christi. He is also the founder and artistic director for Maestro Theatre, a continuing education consultant organization for the training of theatre directors and educators. He was part of the writing team for an ABC Documentary, THE CHILDRENS DIGNITY PROJECT, hosted by Oprah Winfrey; the documentary was nominated for an Emmy Award. He was named the Texas Educational Theatre Association’s Teacher of the Year, 1996. Mr. Garcia also owns and operates Eastwood Hill Bed and Breakfast in San Marcos. The facility serves as headquarters for his teacher training seminars. He also ranches in Spur, TX. Mr. Garcia had six trips to the State UIL One Act Play Contest, including winning the State Championship in 1989.

Patty MacMullen has directed high school and middle school theatre for more than three decades. While teaching in public schools, her students advanced to the Texas UIL OAP State Meet five times placing third at state in conference 4A in 1999 and again in 2007. In 2012, her students advanced to the division II state championship contest in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, placing 1st runner up for the state championship title. She has also directed productions which were chosen to perform at the Texas State Thespian Festival Main Stage (2003 & 2006), the International Thespian Festival Main Stage (2007) and Chapter Select Showcase (1997 & 2009),


42

and the Edinburgh Scotland Fringe Festival (2010 & 2015). Patty was inducted into the Texas Thespian Hall of Fame in 2011. She has experienced the Texas UIL one act play contest as a student, director, host, clinician, contest manager, and adjudicator. She currently serves as Director of Theatre at Hill Country Christian Upper School.

Mandy Conner has been teaching for 19 years, 18 of those at Connally High School in Waco, TX. She has had four State UIL One Act Play appearances in 2006, 2010 (1st Runner Up), 2013, and 2014. Known as "The Cardboard Queen," she travels the state presenting workshops on creating props and costumes out of recycled materials. In addition to being a director, she is also a motivational speaker for students and educators.

CREDITS Patrick Anderson

Stephanie Bumgarner

Peggy Keelan

Celia Kilgore

John MacMullen

Scott Schumann

Taylor Smith

Maestro Theatre Workshop Teachers and all the theatre teachers that share their talents and skills through lessons and games that inspire educational theatre students across the state

Judson High School Theatre Department, Judson ISD; Converse, TX

Louis D. Brandies High School Theatre Department, Northside ISD; San Antonio, TX

Samuel Clemens High School Theatre Department, Schertz Cibolo Universal City ISD; Schertz, TX

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Upper School Theatre Department; Austin, TX

Documents

©2015 - Maestro Theatre Publications All rights reserved.titansonstage.weebly.com/uploads/5/...a_script_and... · ©2015 - Maestro Theatre Publications All rights reserved. 3 The