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{{Short description|Synoptical collage of an event or series of actions and events}}
{{Other uses}}
{{More citations needed|date=February 2022}}

In the [[performing arts]], a '''scenario''' ({{IPAc-en|s|ɪ|ˈ|n|ɑː|r|i|.|oʊ}}, {{IPAc-en|USalso|s|ɪ|ˈ|n|ɛər|i|.|oʊ|,_|-|ˈ|n|ær|-}};<ref>{{cite Dictionary.com|scenario}}</ref> {{IPA|it|ʃeˈnaːrjo|lang}}; from [[Italian language|Italian]] {{wikt-lang|it|scenario}}, "that which is pinned to the scenery") is a synoptical collage of an event or series of actions and events. In the ''[[commedia dell'arte]]'', it was an outline of entrances, exits, and action describing the plot of a play, and was literally pinned to the back of the scenery. It is also known as ''[[canovaccio]]'' or "that which is pinned to the canvas" of which the scenery was constructed.

Surviving scenarios from the [[Renaissance]] contain little other than character names, brief descriptions of action, and references to specific ''[[lazzi]]'' with no further explanation. It is believed that a scenario formed the basis for a fully [[Improvisational theatre|improvisational performance]], though it is also likely that they were simple reminders of the plot for those members of the cast who were literate. Modern commedia troupes most often make use of a script with varying degrees of additional improvisation.

In the creation of an [[opera]] or [[ballet]], a scenario is often developed initially to indicate how the original source, if any, is to be adapted and to summarize the aspects of character, staging, plot, etc. that can be expanded later in a fully developed [[libretto]], or script. This sketch can be helpful in "pitching" the idea to a prospective [[Theatrical producer|producer]], [[theatre director|director]] or [[composer]].

In the [[filmmaking]] of the early 20th century, [[film scenario]]s (also called "treatments" or "synopses"<ref>Steven Maras. ''Screenwriting: History, Theory and Practice.'' Wallflower Press, 2009. p. 92. {{ISBN|9781905674824}}</ref>) were short written scripts to provide narrative coherence that had previously been improvised.<ref name="Gay">Andrew Kenneth Gay. [https://www.screenplayology.com/content-sections/screenplay-style-use/1-1/ "History of scripting and the screenplay"] at Screenplayology: An Online Center for Screenplay Studies. Retrieved 15 December 2021.</ref>  They could consist of a simple list of scene headings or scene headings with a detailed explication of the action in each scene.<ref name="Gay"/>  At this time in the [[silent era]], scripts had yet to include individual shots or dialogue.<ref name="Gay"/>  These scenario scripts evolved into lengthier [[continuity script]]s, which listed a number of shots within each scene, thus providing [[continuity (fiction)|continuity]] to streamline the filmmaking process.<ref name="Gay"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Wiktionary-inline|scenario}}

[[Category:Cinematic techniques]]


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