Cross-Cutting

Drama Strategies

cross cut

The dramatic action switches quickly between two scenes in the same space.

Cross-cutting (also called split-screen) is a drama technique borrowed from the world of film editing, where two scenes are intercut to establish continuity. In drama and theatre the term is used to describe two or more scenes which are performed on stage at the same time. This makes it possible to juxtapose scenes or snippets of scenes that happen at different times or in different places, using separate areas of the performance space.

The technique is used to highlight or contrast a particular theme or aspect of the story. Using different groupings, both scenes could happen at the same time, or one could be frozen while the other comes alive. This can have a similar effect to spotlighting particular areas of the stage or using a split-screen in a film.

Why use it?
Cross-cutting is invaluable for analysing themes in the performance of a drama by directly comparing or contrasting elements of the story.

Introducing Augusto Boal

boal-1

Three full-length practical sessions introducing the work of the Brazilian theatre maker who revolutionised theatre. The article introduces the concept of Image Theatre, Forum Theatre and Theatre of the Oppressed and includes activities such as The Great Game of Power, Status Pictures, Flashbacks, Complete the Image and Rainbow of Desire as well as a handy glossary. Suitable for 11 years and above. Written by David Farmer for Teaching Drama magazine.

Buy the 5-page Augusto Boal Drama Unit (PDF) for just £5.49 with credit/debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Market Scene, Northern Town (1939) by L.S.Lowry

3D Living Pictures

Bring characters from works of art, book illustrations and photographs to life through drama.

Action Clip

Action Clip is the perfect way to bring a freeze frame to life – with a clap of the hands!

Conscience Alley

Conscience Alley

One person walks down an alleyway made by the group and makes a decision based on their advice.

cross cut thumb

Cross-Cutting

Cross-cutting is a drama technique where the action switches quickly between two scenes in the same space.

Developing Freeze Frames

Developing Freeze Frames

Developing freeze frames in exciting ways through movement and exploring the curriculum.

drama for writing

Drama For Writing

Drama provides children with a meaningful and immediate reason for writing.

Flashbacks and Flash Forwards

Flashbacks and Flash Forwards

Expand on a freeze-frame to create the before and after images. Great strategy for story building in drama.

Forum Theatre

The power lies with the audience, as they replace characters on stage to change the outcome of a scene.

Freeze Frames

Freeze frames and still images can be used to communicate ideas, tell a story or bring images to life.

Hot Seating

A character is questioned by the group about his or her background, behaviour and motivation.

Hot Spotting

An amazingly fun and easy way to mix up hot-seating and freeze frames to develop characters

Image Theatre

Participants rapidly sculpt their own or each others’ bodies to express attitudes and emotions.

Mantle of the Expert

Mantle of the Expert

Mantle of the Expert involves the creation of a fictional world where students assume the roles of experts in a

marking the moment

Marking the Moment

A drama strategy used to highlight a key moment in a scene or improvisation, using slow-motion, freeze-frames and more.

Narration

Narration is a technique whereby one or more performers speak directly to the audience to tell a story, give information

Role on the Wall

Role on the Wall

Draw a body shape and add your ideas about any character! A brilliant collaborative class activity for developing thoughts and

Role Play

Role play is the ability to suspend disbelief by stepping into another character’s shoes.

Spotlight

Spotlighting is a useful teaching technique for sharing improvised drama when you have divided the class into smaller groups. When

Storytelling

Storytelling is one of the most compelling forms of dramatic and imaginative activity.

Teacher in Role

Teacher in Role

Teacher in role is an invaluable technique for shaping the dramatic process and developing students’ learning. The teacher takes on

thought-tracking

Thought Tracking

In Thought-Tracking, characters in a freeze-frame speak thoughts and feelings aloud.

where do you stand sm

Where Do You Stand?

A fast, fun and effective way of discovering everybody’s opinions about a subject

Whoosh! Bringing Stories Alive through Drama

Whoosh! Bringing Stories Alive through Drama

An interactive technique in which participants become characters and objects in a story as it is told.

Market Scene, Northern Town (1939) by L.S.Lowry

3D Living Pictures

Bring characters from works of art, book illustrations and photographs to life through drama.

Action Clip

Action Clip is the perfect way to bring a freeze frame to life – with a clap of the hands!

Conscience Alley

Conscience Alley

One person walks down an alleyway made by the group and makes a decision based on their advice.

cross cut thumb

Cross-Cutting

Cross-cutting is a drama technique where the action switches quickly between two scenes in the same space.

Developing Freeze Frames

Developing Freeze Frames

Developing freeze frames in exciting ways through movement and exploring the curriculum.

drama for writing

Drama For Writing

Drama provides children with a meaningful and immediate reason for writing.

Flashbacks and Flash Forwards

Flashbacks and Flash Forwards

Expand on a freeze-frame to create the before and after images. Great strategy for story building in drama.

Forum Theatre

The power lies with the audience, as they replace characters on stage to change the outcome of a scene.

Freeze Frames

Freeze frames and still images can be used to communicate ideas, tell a story or bring images to life.

Hot Seating

A character is questioned by the group about his or her background, behaviour and motivation.

Hot Spotting

An amazingly fun and easy way to mix up hot-seating and freeze frames to develop characters

Image Theatre

Participants rapidly sculpt their own or each others’ bodies to express attitudes and emotions.

Mantle of the Expert

Mantle of the Expert

Mantle of the Expert involves the creation of a fictional world where students assume the roles of experts in a

marking the moment

Marking the Moment

A drama strategy used to highlight a key moment in a scene or improvisation, using slow-motion, freeze-frames and more.

Narration

Narration is a technique whereby one or more performers speak directly to the audience to tell a story, give information

Role on the Wall

Role on the Wall

Draw a body shape and add your ideas about any character! A brilliant collaborative class activity for developing thoughts and

Role Play

Role play is the ability to suspend disbelief by stepping into another character’s shoes.

Spotlight

Spotlighting is a useful teaching technique for sharing improvised drama when you have divided the class into smaller groups. When

Storytelling

Storytelling is one of the most compelling forms of dramatic and imaginative activity.

Teacher in Role

Teacher in Role

Teacher in role is an invaluable technique for shaping the dramatic process and developing students’ learning. The teacher takes on

thought-tracking

Thought Tracking

In Thought-Tracking, characters in a freeze-frame speak thoughts and feelings aloud.

where do you stand sm

Where Do You Stand?

A fast, fun and effective way of discovering everybody’s opinions about a subject

Whoosh! Bringing Stories Alive through Drama

Whoosh! Bringing Stories Alive through Drama

An interactive technique in which participants become characters and objects in a story as it is told.