Cross-Cutting

What is Cross Cutting?

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.

Browse all the Drama Strategies!

3D Living Pictures

Bring pictures to life through freeze frames, thought tracking and improvisation.

Action Clip

Action Clip is a quick way to bring a freeze frame to life – with no preparation!

Conscience Alley

One person walks down an alleyway made by the group and listens to thoughts or advice.

What is Cross Cutting? The dramatic action switches quickly between two scenes in the same space. Cross-cutting (also called split-screen)

Developing Freeze Frames

Exciting ways to use freeze frames across the curriculum and in performance.

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

Why use it? The strategy breaks through the barrier between performers and audience, putting them on an equal footing. It

Freeze Frames

Freeze frames (also known as still images and tableaux) are a fast and effective method to use with any age.

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

Image Theatre is the use of still images (freeze-frames) to explore abstract concepts such as relationships and emotions, as well

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

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 is a collaborative activity for developing thoughts and ideas about a character.

Role Play

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

Soundscapes

The group is conducted to create a sound picture or “soundscape” using their voices and bodies.

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 simplest and perhaps most compelling forms of dramatic and imaginative activity. A good place to

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

Characters in a freeze-frame speak their thoughts and feelings aloud.

Whoosh! Bringing Stories Alive through Drama

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