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Blocking Tracker ​

Capture actor movement paths and communicate clearly.

Blocking Tracker — On Book Pro

Overview ​

The Blocking Tracker helps you:

  • Draw movement paths for actors on a 2D stage
  • Link scenes to sets so the correct layout loads automatically
  • Toggle between blocking and choreography modes
  • Filter by character to show/hide specific paths
  • Print blocking diagrams for your production book

Getting Started ​

Opening the Blocking Tracker ​

  1. Click "Blocking" in the main navigation
  2. Select a scene from the scene selector
  3. The stage layout for that scene loads automatically (if one is assigned)

Understanding the Interface ​

The Blocking Tracker has three main areas:

  1. Canvas — The 2D stage where you draw paths
  2. Side Tray — List of blocking events (collapsible on mobile)
  3. Toolbar — Mode toggle, character filter, and drawing tools

Drawing Movement Paths ​

Step 1: Select a Character ​

  1. Click the character filter dropdown in the toolbar
  2. Select which character you're blocking
  3. The canvas is now ready for that character's path

Step 2: Draw the Path ​

  1. Click "Add Path" or use the drawing tool
  2. Click on the stage to place points for the movement
  3. The app draws a smooth curve between points
  4. Double-click to finish the path

Step 3: Add Event Details ​

Each path creates a blocking event in the side tray:

  1. Click the event in the list
  2. Add a label (e.g., "Enter from Stage Left")
  3. Add notes (e.g., "Crosses to sofa while speaking")
  4. Reorder events by dragging in the list

Blocking vs. Choreography Mode ​

The Blocking Tracker has two modes:

ModeIconUse Case
Blockingtheater_comedy GesturesActor movement and stage crosses
Choreographymusic_note Art TrackDance numbers and fight choreography

Toggle between modes using the button in the top-right toolbar. Each mode has its own set of paths that don't overlap.

Filtering Characters ​

Show or hide specific characters' paths:

  1. Click "Filter" in the toolbar
  2. Check/uncheck character names
  3. Only selected characters' paths appear on stage

This is useful for:

  • Focusing on one actor during rehearsal
  • Seeing interactions between specific characters
  • Printing character-specific blocking sheets

Working with Sets ​

Linking a Scene to a Set ​

  1. Go to Set Builder
  2. Design your stage layout
  3. Click "Bake Set" and name it (e.g., "Living Room")
  4. In Show Structure, assign that set to a scene
  5. When you open that scene in the Blocking Tracker, the set loads automatically

Calibrating the Set ​

If your set has real-world dimensions:

  1. In Set Builder, click "Calibrate"
  2. Draw a reference line on a known distance
  3. Enter the real measurement (e.g., "20 feet")
  4. All blocking paths now reflect accurate spacing

Hiding/Showing Events ​

You can mute individual blocking events without deleting them:

  1. In the side tray, find the event
  2. Click the eye icon (visibility)
  3. The path disappears from the canvas but remains in the list
  4. Click again to show it

Tips for Success ​

emoji_objects Block incrementally — Capture major crosses first, add detail later

emoji_objects Use labels — Clear event names help actors remember staging

emoji_objects Separate blocking and choreography — Keep dance/fight separate from spoken scenes

emoji_objects Print often — Actors appreciate having blocking diagrams to review

Mobile/Tablet Usage ​

The Blocking Tracker is fully responsive:

  • Side tray collapses to a toggle button on small screens
  • Touch gestures work for drawing paths
  • Pinch to zoom on the canvas

Video Tutorial ​

video_library Watch: Drawing Your First Blocking Path (Coming soon)

Last updated: January 2026