A/B Scenes for Actors
A: “Hi.”
B: “Hi.”
What just happened? Are these people two friends seeing each other for the first time since the summer break, or a condemned (but innocent) criminal greeting his smiling executioner? The joy of A/B scenes for actors is that both could be true. Without the context of a larger script or any supplementary information, A/B scenes (sometimes known as ‘open scenes’) give you all the power in the world to shape and bring them to life. They are extremely useful resources, which is why we at StageMilk decided to write and publish this collection.
This page contains a collection of free, original A/B scenes for actors, perfect for use in acting classes or drama workshops. These scenes contain minimal information regarding character and setting, allowing actors to experiment with characterisation and context using their given circumstances. In addition to traditional two-handers, there are scenes for multiple actors with the same, pared-back information.
Whether you are an actor looking to improve their craft or an acting teacher looking for resources in a drama class or workshop, this page will give you all the info you need to properly deploy and help your students/peers/yourself through the process. Scroll down to the bottom for additional resources StageMilk offers regarding free, original script available to our entire acting community.
How to Work with A/B Scenes
Before you jump in, take a look at the following concepts to help you navigate the A/B scenes on offer. Just because information in the script is minimal, doesn’t mean you can skip any part of the script preparation process. If anything, it’s more important than ever to find the context and thrust of the scene.
Script Analysis
Read the script, analyse the script and know the script. For A/B scenes, look at vocabulary and sentence structure in particular: what does one character’s style of speaking tell you about who they might be? Are sentences short or long? Does one character speak more than the other, or perhaps more confidently or emotionally than the other? Writers will always leave you hints in the words they chose (or didn’t.)
Finding your Objectives
What does your character want in this scene from the scene? Lack of context or action does not mean that you can skimp on this. Even in the example at the top of this page (“Hi.” “Hi.”) an objective must be needed: perhaps Character A wants to intimidate Character B, whereas Character B wants their scene partner to remain calm.
Plotting your Actions
Once you know what your character wants, it’s time to plot the actions/tactics they use to get them. Why does your character say a line? What’s the idea behind it that helps them achieve their goal?
Modifying the Moment Before
Establish what’s happened to each character before the scene begins, and then play around with it. “Hi.” “Hi.” could have happened after a lousy speed-dating event. It could also have happened after A caught B cheating on them after twenty years of marriage.
Establishing Given Circumstances
These classic Stanislavski questions of who, where, when, what, why and how will help you ground you choices in A/B scenes. The more context you can build with the given circumstances, the more realistic and compelling your scenes will be.
Changing it Up
Finally, be sure that you keep changing things around in these scenes: once you’ve played it a certain way, challenge yourself to re-invent the situation entirely. What else can you discover? What risks can you take?
A/B Scenes for Actors
While none of these scenes exceed a minute in length, it may be preferable in some instances to ‘split’ the text and only use a fragment for performance and analysis. This is particularly recommended for drama teachers—who may wish to use this material with greener students.
Encounter
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A surprises B after time apart.
Refund
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A would like to return something with B’s help. For cash, preferably.
Alone
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A would like to sit with B to cheer them up. B has other ideas.
One More Thing
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A doesn’t want B to worry about something, but they won’t get specific.
It Happened
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A catches B up on a big development.
Do It
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A wants B to do something. B knows they have to, but hesitates.
Turbulence
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 – 2 mins
Synopsis: A is going on a trip. B is nervous about it.
Catch Me Up
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 – 2 mins
Synopsis: A and B run into each other after a time apart.
Lost
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A is searching for something. Be is not being helpful.
Remember
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A wishes B to remember.
Leaving
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A and B talk before leaving the house.
Embarrassed
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A is embarrassed by something. B would like them to drop it.
Seat
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A is sitting in B’s seat. How dare they.
News
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A has big news for B, right before they make a life-changing confession.
Stolen
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: B has an issue with the way A has procured something important.
A/B/C/D/Etc.
These scripts follow a similar format to A/B scenes, but contain additional characters. These scenes may be useful in larger drama class settings, or for scene study workshops.
Voted Out (3 Roles)
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A is informed by B and C that they are out.
Still or Sparkling (3 Roles)
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A, B and C have an awkward disagreement over an order.
Relaxation (4 Roles)
Genre: N/A
Length: 1 min
Synopsis: A, B, C and D try to relax, but it’s not so simple. Apparently.
Additional Script Resources
A/B scenes are invaluable resources for actors that help train an understanding of the theory of character and drama. However, due to their short nature, they may only take you so far in your exploration of text. So once you’re done working with these pieces, you might like to take a look at some of the original material we offer here at StageMilk.
Original content:
- Practice Scripts for Actors
- Practice Monologues for Actors
- Short Monologues for Actors
- Scenes for Three Actors
- Scenes for Four Actors
- Scenes for Young Actors
Resources for acting and script work:
- Script Analysis: How to get the Most out of a Scene
- How to Discover Character Relationships
- What is Subtext in Acting?
- Rhythm and Pace in Acting
- Given Circumstances
All things showcase and presentation:
- How to Nail your Drama School Showcase
- Should I Take an Acting Class?
- How to Survive your Drama School Showcase
- Benefits of Scene Study for Actors
- How to Cut Down a Monologue or Scene
Across these pages (and the one you’re reading now), remember to check in regularly for new uploads. We are forever adding fresh original scripts for all your acting needs.
Enjoy!
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