Difference Between A Manuscript and Acting Script?

[DoTheDood]

Posted: 8/17/19 at 1:37am

I've been wanting to buy more plays to read and one of them was Marys Seacole by Jackie Sibblies Drury. Usually I try to find a production to watch first, but I've liked Drury's work enough that I feel like reading it would still be a good experience. The thing is, under Dramatists Play Service, it lists it as a manuscript and not an acting script. Not only does a manuscript cost more, but I also don't know what to expect out of a manuscript. I'm assuming it's more like the picture of the example booklet, of it being more or less a stack of papers, right? Or is it worth more to wait a bit to see if it will get published as the acting script (assuming it will) for cheaper? I like the acting scripts better too, just I'm not sure if that's a guarantee or not.

Edit: Also, to add onto the title, are there any more difference between manuscripts and acting scripts besides the cover? I've read acting scripts also include more stuff like props, set drawings, etc. Anything else?

Updated On: 8/17/19 at 01:37 AM

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 8/17/19 at 10:34am

It just means DPS hasn't created the little book of the script (the Acting Edition) yet. The Manuscript will probably be the playwright's own typed script that has been photocopied (or maybe they send as a pdf?), and it will be in standard manuscript format.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 8/17/19 at 11:56am

The manuscript tends to be way more expensive too. I once really wanted a monologue from a new play I saw and the manuscript was $100. I don’t think they ever even made an acting edition of it (the play was a flop but I liked it).

[mikey2573]

Posted: 8/17/19 at 8:40pm

There do tend to be differences between acting editions of scripts and the copies you buy in a bookstore.  I was once directing OUR TOWN and read the manuscript, which I bought in a bookstore, many times prior to auditions.  When we got the acting editions of the script from the licensing company I noticed that there were some differences, particularly in the stage directions. 

Referring to the non-acting version did help immensely at one point when I was at the end of the play and trying to get all the dead people to leave the cemetery.  I did not want them there when the Stage Manager gave that final speech.  I could not figure out how to get them to leave the stage.  I referred to the non-acting version that I bought in the store and found a stage direction that not in the acting version.  The directions said that a train whistle blew in the distance, and I used that sound effect as the signal for the dead to stand, lift their chairs, and exit.  I was glad I had that alternate copy of the script. 

[A Director]

Posted: 8/18/19 at 3:37am

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "It just means DPShasn't created the little book of the script (the Acting Edition) yet. The Manuscript will probably be the playwright's own typed script that has been photocopied (or maybe they send as a pdf?), and it will be in standard manuscript format."

I have a manuscript copy of ROE by Lisa Loomer from DPS.  It is not the playwright's own typed script that has been photocopied.

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/18/19 at 6:00am

The dead needed to take a train somewhere?

The manuscript copy is what is sent to the publisher before is laid out for their own printing format. Stage directions that are in many reading/acting editions are often from early productions and not the playwright. But it is impossible to know. (I remind my students of this all the time during blocking rehearsals.

Is it worth it? I would say no.