PUNCTUATION& BREATHING Punctuation marks are like notations in music. They indicate a place for a new thought and how long a breath should last. Shakespeare uses punctuation and breath for emotional, physical and dramatic effect.
FullStop – stop punctuation (period, exclamation/question mark) at the END of the verse line. It indicates a stop in thought. If it is a question mark, expect an answer. If a period or exclamation point, formulate your next though before proceeding. Full breaths should be taken. Take as long as you wish to fill your lungs. Often referred as “end stops” or “coffee and cigarette break.”
Mid Stop– stop punctuation found in the middle of the verse line. Change your energy for the next thought with strong and immediate intent. It signals a change. DO NOT BREATHE. Make your choice to proceed quickly, launching ahead in the next thought. You can ask your scene partner to try to interject at these points.
Colons&Semi-colons–Both of these notations mark the end of a phrase or thought, but do not mark the conclusion of the main idea. Only a Full Stop tells the actor to end. Colons and Semis tell the actor that a new phrase of thought is coming and he or she will need a shift in energy to make that thought clear. Take a quick breath and you’ll accomplish this change. Often called “gear shifts.”
Parenthetical Phrases – The text shows the character having a thought, changing that thought to a new thought, then returning to the old thought. The parenthetical thought is a diversion or digression. They color the sentence. Change your pitch and/or speed of voice at these points. They are marked by ( ) or commas. Sometimes they are not punctuated at all. Take a catch up breath before or after.
WORDS, WORDS,WORDS… Capitalized words – found within in the verse line, can be used for irony, contrast or tool to deeper connection. Capitalized words (not to be confused with proper names) are important!
Final “E” – Can indicate two things: 1.) Shakes wants you to HIT that final consonant hard. 2.) Shakes wants you to prolong the vowel sound.