Performance Elements of Drama Actors must maintain control over certain physical actions such as: Acting -empathy, character motivation, and analysis Speaking -breath control, diction, expression Non-verbal Expression- gestures

Speaking Actors must fine-tune their methods of speaking in order to be understood and to best portray the character The actor must not only be heard, but must remain IN CHARACTER at all times

Non-Verbal Expression The use of body language communicates a great deal about the character to the audience Often an actor ‘speaks’ more with a nonverbal reaction than with any words that could be written

Acting Remember that there is a difference between the characters in a dramatic piece and the actors portraying those characters “How does an actor assume a character’s identity and ‘become’ a different person?”

Acting Cont.  If an audience feels empathetic emotions toward a character in a given situation, they will likely consider that performance successful  Together, the cast, the crew, and the audience create the show

The Guildhall School  For this video clip, please write down these questions as they are a part of your notes(Answer them as the clip proceeds): Why do you think the instructor was yelling out various colors? How did the students respond to this? 2.What is the most important ‘muscle’ for an actor? Why do you think this is true? 3.What does the ‘Acting Technique’ prepare you for?

Three Types of Stages

Arena Stage built in a theatre that is similar to a sports arena Sometimes called ‘Theatre in the Round’ Actors make their entrances and exits from the ‘house’(audience)

Thrust  One part of the stage thrusts into the house so that the audience is seated on three sides of the acting area

Proscenium  Most common type of stage  Composed of a proscenium arch(walls facing the audience) that ‘frame’ the acting area  Actors make entrances and exits from the backstage areas in the wings

Stage Directions Upstage- away from the audience Downstage- toward the audience Stage Right/Left- Determined from actor’s point of view when looking toward the audience

‘Please Copy Down in Notes’