Focus And Tension Flashcards
What is internal focus?
The performers focus needed to create and maintain concentration and belief (Stanislavski’s circles of concentration)
What is external focus?
The point where the dramatic action is focused eg. Another actor, stage, off stage, audience
Focus using gesture
Any gesture which concentrates attention
Eg. Finger pointing, facing action, touching
Focus using language
Who is talking?
What is being said?
How is it being expressed?
Focus using eye contact
Eye contact between actors and the audience
Focus using space and position
Levels and proxemics
Focus using motifs or patterns
Patterns created by an actor can establish clear focus
Focus and contrast
Contrast in voice, costume, colour, movement
Focus and props
Eg. Phone ringing, door knocking etc.
What is focus?
The concentration of energy which must be maintained to keep the action sharp and the direction of the drama clear
What is tension?
A force that creates a powerful and complex energy on stage. In turn, this generates a level of excitement in the audience
THE FORCE WHICH DRIVES ALL DRAMA
What is the first major way of creating tension?
The creation of a problem or TASK that characters must complete in order to achieve a goal
What is the second major way of creating tension?
The development of RELATIONSHIPS between characters and managing the relationships eg. Someone may change or leave
What is the third major way of creating tension?
The creation of SUPRISE where the characters and the audience don’t know what’s ahead. Suddenly the circumstances unfold and shock occurs
What is the fourth major way of creating tension?
The development of the notion of a MYSTERY with the characters and audience not knowing what it all means. The action moves forward and everything becomes clear.
