Stage directions & custom pauses

Stage direction modes

Offbook detects stage directions in your script and keeps them separate from dialogue. In Scene Controls → Stage directions, choose how they behave during practice:

• Hidden (default): stage directions are skipped entirely.
• Read aloud: a narrator voice reads each direction, like an audiobook.
• Silent: directions appear on screen but aren't read; the scene continues right away.
• Silent with pause: directions appear silently and the scene holds so you can play the action (cross the room, pour the drink) before the next line.

How long is the pause?

In "Silent with pause" mode, the hold length is automatic: longer directions get longer pauses (between 1 and 8 seconds). Want an exact length? Set a custom pause on that stage direction line (see below) and Offbook uses it instead.

Custom pauses on any line

You can add a Pause Before to any line in the scene, dialogue or stage direction:

1. Open Edit Scene.
2. Select the line and choose Pause Before.
3. Pick a delay from 0.5 to 5 seconds.