In context withtheatre andmovies ascenario (fromItalian,that which is pinned to thescenery) is a description of an event or series of actions and events. In theCommedia dell'arte it was an outline of entrances, exits, and action describing the story of aplay that was literally pinned to the back of the scenery.
Surviving scenari from theRenaissance contain little other than character names, brief descriptions of action, and references to specificlazzi with no further explanation. It is believed that a scenario forms the basis of a fullyimprovisational performance though it is also likely that they were simple reminders of the plot for those members of the cast who were literate.
In the creation of anopera orballet, a scenario is often developed initially to indicate how the original source, if any, is to be adapted. This sketch can be helpful in "pitching" the idea to a prospectiveproducer,director, orcomposer.
Scenarios are also used in policyplanning, and when trying out strategies against uncertain future developments. Here the key idea is for the scenario to be an overview, a summary, of aprojected course of action, events or situations. Scenarios are widely used by organizations of all types to understand different ways that future events might unfold.
