When does something become a stage direction as opposed to the parenthetical directions? I'm using Celtx and I was looking at a sample theatre production and it hasn't given me an answer at all. I could swear that they look interchangeable, but I know that that can't be right.

This is probably so simple that I'm just being stupid and blind over it all. So I'm sorry, but excuse my ignorance, this is my first ever script and my first Script Frenzy.

Thanks!

I had the same question...
I think parenthetical is directly related to the following line,as in (angrily) or (gestures wildly) although celix wants to put it on it's own row apparently. I'm not sure. Can someone with more experience help us?

I was wondering about this, too. I think these pages can help us: http://www.simplyscripts.com/WR_format.html

http://www.zhura.com/help/nav/stageplay_elements

Basically, use parentheticals to guide how actors should say something, and use stage directions to describe action. I think.

That's generally a good rule of thumb.

Parentheticals are primarily used when it relates to the dialogue being spoken. If for example the line should be directed to a specific character or said in a specific way you'd use parentheticals rather than stage directions.

But how would it work if you can describe it in one line? Maybe an example would be more helpful. Which would be more correct?

ROBERT
(sighs)
Well, I was just thinking...

OR

Robert sighs.
ROBERT
Well, I was just thinking...

(Please ignore the spacing and uncenteredness and all that.)

Thank you!

Nice dicussion. I, too, have difficulty figuring out when to use stage directions and when to use parentheticals--and this is my 3rd Script Frenzy.

I'm writing stage plays. I use stage directions immediately after the start of a scene. So the words Scene 1 are followed by stage directions.

I use stage directions for entrances and exits and specific needed movements (MC moves DL).

I use stage directions for lighting (not much of this). I'm even using stage directions for some specific set design issues (I'm writing historical, so some things need explaining.)

I use parentheticals sparingly to direct the actors and actresses in saying their lines.

The sigh example would be a parenthetical if I were doing it.

I'm not saying any of this is the 'RIGHT' way to do it. But I do think it helps make your script intelligible if, whatever you do, you do it consistently.

Man, I wish I'd read this earlier. I bet I can squeeze a few more pages out of what I've already got if I format it right.
:-P

From what I've read the difference depends on length and character. Basically the parenthetical guidelines are this: If the character speaking can do it in under four lines, it's parenthetical. If it involves another character in anyway or is over four lines, it's action. For instance:

-----------------
RACHELLE
What's up?
(pause, examines the
scene and appears to
mentally debate whether
or not to continue)
I should probably go, huh?
-------------------

It's fine, but if I added one more line it would have to be a parenthetical. (obviously I shrunk to allow for actual parenthetical width, I'm probably off a quarter inch or so, but you get the gist of it)

-------------------
RACHELLE
What's up?

Rachelle pauses and appears to mentally debate whether or not to continue speaking. She shrugs and turns around.

RACHELLE
(walking away)
I should probably go, huh?
-------------------

And it doesn't necessarily have to do with the way the dialogue is said, it can include actions that compliment the dialogue. Under "How to Format a Screenplay" in the "Writer's Resources" tab there's A GREAT EXAMPLE SCREENPLAY that helped me a lot with some of the basic stuff.

NaNo08 - Darkside - Won Screnzy09 - Darkside - Won

I think that depened on which is happening. If I was the actor I would think the top one would have me say the line while sighing the bottom Robert would sigh then say the line