Final answer:
Option b) provides the clearest instructions for stage directions, separating Martha's bewildered look and pause from her spoken lines. The stage directions are a crucial component of a play's script and significantly impact the storytelling and audience experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
When writing stage directions for a play, the goal is to provide clear instructions for the actors about their movements, actions, and the intended emotional tone without interrupting the flow of the dialogue. In the scenario provided, option b) is the best choice as it delivers these instructions in a way that respects the conventions of a script. It separates the descriptions of Martha's actions from her spoken dialogue, resulting in a clearer guidance for the actor and director.
The ideal stage directions would be: (Looks bewildered when asked to speak. She takes a long pause) "Josh, what can I say about Josh?" This format offers a separate sentence to describe Martha's look and pause, followed by her dialogue, ensuring that her actions (bewilderment, taking a long pause) are understood as part of her performance before she speaks her lines.
The art of writing stage directions is a crucial component of a play's script, and when executed well, it enhances the overall delivery and can deeply impact the audience's experience. Therefore, playwrights carefully craft these directions to encapsulate the physical life of the play and enrich the storytelling.