Stage Composition—Creating memorable stage pictures The Director’s Eye Stage Composition—Creating memorable stage pictures Emphasize the character who is most important in the moment

Stage Composition 4 elements of Stage Composition Body positions Strongest: full front—important lines 2nd strongest: full back—special cases 3rd strongest: ¼ front—used in shared scenes Weakest—profile Stage areas Characters closer to the audience (downstage) vs. away from the audience (upstage) Strongest stage area: DC Weakest stage area: UL

Stage Composition Levels create a more interesting visual picture Created by using platforms, stairs, etc. Person who is at the highest height is the focus Planes—positioning actors at different depths on the stage Diagonals—create tension Same plane—equal focus Triangles create tension for 3+ actors

Stage Composition The 4 elements of composition help to determine the FOCUS of the scene Where the audience should be looking and which character they should be watching 4 elements of composition determine the emphasis Direct emphasis=1 character focus Duo emphasis=2 character focus Diversified emphasis=multiple focal points

Onstage Movement Considerations… NEVER MOVE WITHOUT A PURPOSE If you can’t answer why you are moving, or if the answer is “because the script says to”, then DON’T Think about the actions you need to take to accomplish your objective Hidden motives? Character interaction? Physical obstacles on the set?

Onstage Movement How does the audience interpret onstage movement? 1 actor moves toward a stationary actor= Confrontation 1 actor moves away from a stationary actor= Avoidance Both actors are moving (chase)= Both confrontation and avoidance Any movement onstage pulls audience focus!