SIX BASIC RULES OF STAGE MOVEMENT

#1-MOTIVATED MOVEMENT

• Movement should be motivated by the intentions of the actors in the scene
• Know exactly WHY you are moving
• React as though experiencing a stimulus to which you respond instinctively

#2-SIMPLIFY

• Movement must be simplified
• Too much movement can be distracting
• Simpler is better

#3-HEIGHTENED REALITY

• Movement must be heightened from real life
• Unlike real life, onstage, each action counts

#4-CHARACTER-BASED MOVEMENT

• Movement must inform about the character
• Tells about character and relationship to others
• Movement must be true to character

#5-PLAY TO THE AUDIENCE

• Movement must be toward the audience
• Keep an "open" position by cheating out

#6-DON'T UPSTAGE

• Adjust to the movements of others
• Don't steal focus
• Don't force other actors to turn away from audience