Aspiring dramatists often worry about how their work will be performed.  They fear no one will "get" their play, so they must describe and explain everything for the director and actors. Sadly, "directing on paper" becomes overwriting that a nuisance to everyone. A dramatist is a creative artist. The director and actors are interpretive artists. They can and must bring their vision to your material. The writer's task is create action actors can perform, and you should write it so your desired interpretation is apparent in the text. 

 

SUE

Steve! It's been ages!

 

She grabs Steve and kisses him.

 

An actor will know from this clear, simple writing that the characters are reunited, and Sue is glad to see Steve. But some writers don't trust the actors to see what is in front of their noses, so the writers feel compelled to describe and explain the action:

 

SUE (happily)

Steve! It's been ages!

 

Smiling, she presses her lips against Steve's. At last they are

reunited, and she's glad to see him.

 

Such detailed descriptions make a script read like a novel. For plays, it's a mistake. And it's a complaint. Be stingy with stage directions and business. Use them only when it's really necessary. One exception is if your desired interpretation is unclear to the actors.

 

SUE (scowling)

Steve! It's been ages!

 

She grabs Steve and kisses him. 

 

See how that works? One word in parenthesis gives a meaning that is not apparent just from reading the line. So, yes, if your meaning really isn't clear, help it along. Otherwise, write the action, and let the director guide the actors. If an actor's interpretation bothers you, tell the director, but be discreet. If necessary, be prepared to take no for an answer. For your work to be seen, you must hand over your script...your baby...to be nurtured and presented by your interpretive artists. It's best to stand aside and let them do their job.