Today, we’re diving into a crucial skill that can elevate your storytelling: Storyboarding. Whether you’re creating your own project, working on a short film, preparing a self-tape, or even blocking a stage production, understanding the basics of storyboarding can add a visual edge to your craft. As performers, we know that storytelling isn’t limited to words—it’s about how a story unfolds visually, too. Let’s break down the essentials of storyboarding and how it can be an invaluable tool in your performer toolkit.

What is Storyboarding?

Think of a storyboard as a comic book for your script. It’s a sequence of drawings (or even stick figures) that represent each shot or scene in a production. Storyboards help you plan out the visual flow of your story, including camera angles, character movements, and key action moments.

While it’s traditionally used in film and TV production, storyboarding is becoming increasingly valuable for performers who are creating their own content, whether it’s a short film, social media videos, or even refining their self-tapes. It’s a powerful tool that helps you visualise how your performance will come to life.

Why Should Performers Learn Storyboarding?

1. Understanding Visual Storytelling: As a performer, knowing how scenes translate from script to screen or stage allows you to bring out your character’s emotions and actions more effectively. When you’re aware of camera angles and shot types, you can adjust your performance to ensure that your moments land powerfully. For example, in a self-tape, understanding when to use a close-up or a full-body shot can make a huge difference in how your performance is perceived.
2. Collaborating Effectively: Working with directors and production teams often involves interpreting their vision. If you can speak their language and understand storyboards, you’ll be able to contribute more effectively during the creative process. Imagine walking into a rehearsal or set and already having a visual map of how the scene plays out!
3. Creating Your Own Content: Many performers are now also content creators. Whether it’s short films, web series, or social media skits, a storyboard helps you stay organised, plan shots, and make your ideas more professional and cohesive. If you’re blocking a performance for an audition or even mapping out a dance routine, storyboarding allows you to plan every move with precision.

Getting Started with Storyboarding

If you’re new to storyboarding, don’t worry—you don’t need to be an artist! Follow these steps to create a simple, yet effective storyboard:

1. Break Down the Script:
   • Start with a scene or a sequence and break it down shot by shot. What is the action? What are the key moments that need to be highlighted visually? For example, if you’re filming a self-tape for a dramatic monologue, think about how close-ups or over-the-shoulder shots can highlight emotional beats or key moments of connection.
2. Sketch Simple Frames:
   • Draw basic boxes on a piece of paper (or use a template). Inside each box, sketch what happens in that shot. It doesn’t have to be perfect! Stick figures work just fine, as long as they help you visualise the action and camera movement. Include notes about camera angles, transitions, or any special effects you’re imagining.
3. Add Camera Directions and Action:
   • Beneath each drawing, add notes about what’s happening in the scene. Is there a close-up to highlight emotion? A wide shot to set the scene? Write down any important actions, expressions, or dialogue that will take place during the shot.
4. Experiment with Shot Types:
   • To start, focus on three key shot types:
     • Single Shot: Focuses on one character, perfect for dramatic moments in monologues or solo performances.
     • Over-the-Shoulder: Captures the interaction between characters, useful for dialogue or audition scenes.
     • Two-Shot: Shows both characters together, great for conversation scenes or stage blocking. Play with zooming in or out to emphasise emotions or storytelling moments. For example, zooming in on a performer’s face during a key revelation can make the scene more impactful and intimate.

Storyboarding Tips for Performers

• Think Like a Director: Imagine how your performance looks through the lens of a camera. What angles best capture the emotion or action in your scene? How can you use movement to enhance your performance? This is especially useful when creating self-tapes or audition videos.
• Use Storyboarding to Prepare for Auditions: Storyboarding can help you plan out your physical movements or blocking in auditions. It allows you to show directors that you’ve considered not only your performance but how it fits into the larger visual narrative.
• Collaborate with the Team: Storyboards make it easier to communicate your ideas with directors, cinematographers, or even fellow cast members. You’ll be able to visualise scenes together and ensure your performance aligns with the overall vision.

Ready to Create Your Own Storyboard?

Grab a script — any script! — and try storyboarding a short scene. Whether it’s a monologue, a dialogue between two characters, or a group scene, see how visualising the performance changes your perspective.

Example Exercise:

1. Pick a scripted scene (it can be from a favourite show, film, or even your latest audition).
2. Sketch out the establishing shot (this is the wide shot that sets the scene).
3. Draw out the key emotional moments with close-ups, medium shots, or any other creative angles.
4. Add your own twist! Play with creative camera angles and note how you’d stage the performance as both the actor and director.

Toolkit Takeaway: Storyboarding is an incredible tool that not only supports the technical side of production but also enhances your performance by helping you understand how every movement, expression, and angle will be captured. Dive into this process, and you’ll start seeing your storytelling abilities soar, both on screen and stage!

Ready to take action? Try creating a storyboard for your next project or performance—and if you do, share your progress with us! We’d love to see how you’re using this tool to create your success.