A few things to think about… STAGE VS. FILM A few things to think about…

Behind the Scenes “TANGLED” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipGBcsVafyA

Behind the Scenes “SUICIDE SQUAD” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPsTdefIlKU

CASTING FOR THE STAGE Stage Actors are usually cast by the director of the play, who will work with the actor to create the character. Stage Actors can be a different age from the character, because the audience is not close up.

CASTING FOR FILM Film Actors are usually cast by a casting director, who sees that the actor already “has” the character. Film Actors are usually the correct age range for the character they portray.

REHEARSAL Stage Actors will rehearse a play for 2 weeks to several months. Film Actors don’t have traditional rehearsals, but use the “takes” as their rehearsal.

ACTING STYLE FOR STAGE Stage Actors use exaggeration vocally and physically in order to be seen and heard by the audience. Stage Actors usually have their entire body seen by the audience at all times and must be aware of all movement. Stage Actors must develop breath and vocal control in order to project their voice with exaggerated emotion.

ACTING STYLE FOR FILM Film Actors use a more natural, authentic voice and believable body movement. Film Actors must be very careful of their small facial expressions and movements, because the camera shows the small things on a big screen. Film Actors voices can be “looped” later or even dubbed with another person’s voice, so voice quality is not always a factor in casting.

PERFORMANCE FOR STAGE Stage Actors perform the play (story) in chronological order and are able to “live” the emotions in order. Stage Actors get to follow the natural “ARC” of the character’s story. Stage Actors have the opportunity to play the same role multiple times Stage Actors control their performances, based on rehearsals and are able to creatively improve their character each time they perform.

PERFORMANCE FOR FILM Film Actors perform out of sequence. They don’t get to act their parts in order, but must mentally determine what happened before or after a scene and prepare emotionally for the scene that is being filmed. Film Actors play the role once and are done. The director and editors are the ones that determine what the film looks like and how much of the actor’s work is seen by the audience.

SETS FOR STAGE Stage set in limited to the size and type of stage. Stage set is often representative and/or symbolic and asks the audience to use their imagination. Stage set changes can occur when the curtain closes (breaking the audiences concentration) or while a scene is in progress.

SETS FOR FILM Film sets can be lifelike and anywhere – from a faux building front, to an actual castle, to the Grand Canyon. Film sets can also be abstract and absurd with the use of green screen and special effects. Film sets are changed, when the director calls “cut” and the cameras stop recording.

AUDIENCE FOR STAGE Stage audience is live and gives the actor an immediate reaction, which can motivate the actor. Stage actors can improve their performances based on previous audience’s reactions.

AUDIENCE FOR FILM Film actors do not have an audience, but are surrounded by crew, which are not there to react to the scene. Film actors have to stay focused, while crew members are moving during the recording of a scene.

SCRIPTS Playwrights have legal control of the use of their scripts through copyright and royalty laws. Successful plays are well known and produced repeatedly. Audiences have an expectation that each time they see a play it will be the same, whether in NYC, London, or San Antonio. Screen writers (movie and television) often begin with a script that is rewritten as the film is being produced.

STAGE DIRECTORS PLAYWRIGHT’S INTENT: as the playwright intended in dialogue, time period, set, and costumes. DIRECTOR’S CONCEPT: keeps dialogue the same (copyright), but changes time period, which changes set and costuming.

FILM DIRECTORS REALISTIC: uses long shots that depend on the actors to create the emotion (like on stage). FORMALISTIC: uses various camera shots and editing to create emotions.