General Rules & Definitions of Stage Acting The 3 –Be Seen –Be Heard –Be the Character Actor –The real person, performer on stage. He/she MUST be clearly seen and heard. Blocking –The arrangement of action, steps, entrances, and exits in a scene. The director plans the blocking, the actors follow it. Business –The gestures and actions an actor uses on stage to advance the plot and/or show a character’s emotion/personality. Character –The imaginary person, thing, or animal the actor pretends to be on stage. Gesture –A movement, usually of the arm, that helps to express action, ideas, or emotion.

General Rules & Definitions of Stage Acting Focus 1.The ability of the actor to control himself/herself and give his/her attention only to his character and situation of the character. 2.The actor or object to which the audience should give their attention. Tips on Movement Use broader, more exaggerated gestures and facial expressions so that actions and emotions are clear to the back of the house. Always gesture with your upstage hand so that you do not mask facial expressions or muffle voice projection. Gestures should be held frozen for a few seconds..

Stages 3 different stages you need to know 1.Proscenium 2.Thrust 3.Arena

Proscenium Most common Audience views the action from one side Allows for elaborate sets “Picture Frame” stage Backstage activity is concealed Proscenium arch frames the action Try drawing the stage from a bird’s eye view (from the ceiling looking down) ^

Arena Least common Audience views from all sides Sets are extremely limited Focuses audience attention sharply and simply on the actors No backstage area “Theater-in-the-round” Try drawing the stage from a bird’s eye view (from the ceiling looking down) ^

Thrust Audience views from 3 sides Sets are limited Places much of the action in the midst of the audience More actor-centered rather than scenery- centered Audience is more aware of each other “Apron” stage Try drawing the stage from a bird’s eye view (from the ceiling looking down) ^

Nine Stage Positions 1.Up Right 2.Up Center 3.Up Left 4.Right 5.Center 6.Left 7.Down Right 8.Down Center 9.Down Left The other stage positions on the picture are helpful to know, too!