Performance Skills Flashcards
Focus
Focus is often used interchangeably with the terms concentration and engagement, assisting the performer in the portrayal of believable characters. This also implies memorisation of text (including word, moves and gestures). Furthermore, focus requires the channelling (focusing) of all the performer’s energies into achieving the given goals or objectives of a character in a scen
Timing
Timing in performance refers to dramatic timing of movements and gestures. We often take our movements for granted in everyday life, but when performing, the use of our body must be carefully considered. Timing can be manipulated to create contrast in a scene or simply to demonstrate robotic, stylised and non-naturalistic movements. Rhythm and pace are affected by timing.
Energy
The intensity an actor brings to a performance. At different times an actor might use different levels of energy to create different dynamics.
Actor-audience relationship
The way in which an actor deliberately manipulates the audience’s emotions, moods and responses to the action. This can be done through placement of the performer in relation to the audience, the way the actor addresses and engages the audience, and the emotional and intellectual response to the character’s situation. An actor – audience relationship only exists as part of an actual performance. Performing without an audience is a rehearsal and therefore part of the development process.
