test (drama) Flashcards
Felixble
Flexible actors use their bodies to an extent to where they can express through body language.
Expressive and Dynamic
Emotions need to be clearly conveyed using large, dynamic movements or suitable gestures.
Free of idiosyncrasies
Physical habits should be grounded in the character, not the actor
Aligned for breathing
Proper posture opens up the body for proper breathing. Breathing control is essential to the expression of character emotions.
Resilient
From stage combat to complicated dance choreography, many physical demands are placed on an actor. Actors need to sustain these physical demands throughout the entire run of the show.
Coordinated
Stage combat, dance, complicated set changes, and the general blocking of a scene all require a degree of coordination.
How does an actor stand if they are standing in a neutral position?
have their feet shoulder-width apart, shoulders rolled back, arms and hands hanging at their sides, and they are looking straight ahead.
Full front
One of the strongest and most common of stage positions.
Quarter Turn (1/4)
Fairly open positions that are strong as Full Front.
Profile
Can express a wide array of emotion; anger, love, confusion, etc.
Three-Quarter Turn (¾)
Generally a weak position. Audience will have a hard time seeing and hearing the actor.
Full Back
A compelling position that when used appropriately can produce dramatic results. Also can show avoidance, dismissal avoidence etc.
Stage
A play must have a performance space. This space should provide a stage or area where the players perform.
Proscenium Stage
The most common stage . A proscenium stage is usually a raised picture-frame stage, or box stage.
Grand drape
A grande drape or cur-tain, hangs across the imaginary proscenium line , and can be opened to reveal the picture, or scene, to the audience.
Wings
Entrances onto the stage are made by the actors from offstage spaces to the right and left of the acting area called wings.
Apron
Often in front of the grand drape is a portion of the stage extending past the proscenium arch toward the audience.
Arena stage
The is a stage constructed so that the audience can sit on all sides of the production.
Thrust stage
Another type of stage extends, or projects, into the seating area of the audience.
house
The area where the audience sits.
Acting areas
The proscenium stage floor is divided into imaginary blocks called acting areas, in which the director can move people or place furni- ture and scenery.
Blocking
Planning the movement for the play is called blocking. Dividing the stage helps the director to block the play and provides a guide, or road map, for the actors and technicians.
Focal Point
The tableaux must have a clear focus. The audience’s eyes should be drawn to the most important detail in the show.
Spatial relationship
The distance between actors, the space between two people can establish their relationship.
Facial Expression
Since a tableau has its limitations and so it’s important to use facial expressions to convey emotions and meaning to the audience.
Dynamic Energy
Like facial expressions, physical gestures and postures should also be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity
Physical Control
It’s ideal for the actors to stay still. This includes the focus of the actor’s eyes.
Cheating out
Actors angle so their bodies are facing the audience.
Levels
Different physical levels provide an idea of the relationship between actors.
Depth Awareness
Avoid standing in a straight line. Placing an actor closer to the audience can help make that actor a focal point.
An imaginary wall between actors and audience is called:
fourth wall
to walk or move across the stage:
cross
a line, momen of action, light or sound that initiates another line, moment of action, light or sound:
cue
Where should most action occur on stage?
The most action should occur downstage or center stage.
Why should you use your upstage hand when making a gesture on stage?
Using your upstage hand when making a gesture on stage causes you to remain open to the audience.
What is upstaging and how can it be avoided?
Upstaging is stealing the audience’s attention from the focal point. This can be avoided by not doing the following, turning their backs to the audience, standing upstage from other actors, being louder or more visible than those who should draw the audience attention.
Lobby
The lobby is a room which is at the entrance used for entry to the building. Ticket counters, coat check, concessions and restrooms are all usually located in, or just off the lobby.
Orchestra Pit
The orchestra pit is the area where musicians perform. Usually located in the lower area in front of the stage.
Fly Space
The fly space is located above the stage, used to attach and hang flying scenery.
Wing
The wing space is used for performers preparing to enter and storage of sets for scenery changes. Located offstage (away from the audience vision)
Crossover
A cross over is a hallway, room or catwalk located at the back of the stage. Used for performers to move from one side(wing) to the other.
Legs
Legs are tall narrow drapes hung on the sides of the stage.
Proscenium Arch
Proscenium, in theatre, the frame or arch separating the stage from the auditorium (the seating).
Mezzanine
The lowest balcony in a theater.
Stage floors
The surface of the stage
Apron
The apron is any parts of the stage that extends past the proscenium arch and into the audience or seating area.
