©2015 - Maestro Theatre Publications All rights reserved.
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©2015 - Maestro Theatre Publications All rights reserved.
2
ACTOR TOOL #4:
HOW TO SCORE A SCRIPT
&
LIST OF ACTION VERBS
©2015 - Maestro Theatre Publications All rights reserved.
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
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Score a Script ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Action Verb List ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
BIOGRAPHIES AND CREDITS ........................................................................................................................................... 41
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Point
Point Out
Point To
Poison
Poke
Poke At
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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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
©2015 - Maestro Theatre Publications All rights reserved.
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
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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
©2015 - Maestro Theatre Publications All rights reserved.
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),
©2015 - Maestro Theatre Publications All rights reserved.
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