UNIT TWO: ELEMENTS OF ACTING

CHEATING OUT

GESTURES

MUSCULAR MEMORY

OFFSTAGE

ONSTAGE

SCENARIO

STAGE BUSINESS

UPSTAGING

OBJECTIVES

• To understand how to execute natural body movements onstage
• To learn how to incorporate stage business into a scene
• To understand how natural, believable movement enhances characterization
• To plan and execute a scene incorporating stage movement

PREVIEW: THE MAGIC OF MOVEMENT

• The actor must present a world that the audience can't help but believe in.
• No matter the environment presented onstage, it must appear real
• The actor must appear to be a real person interacting with that environment

MOVING ON STAGE: ENTERING

• Be in position and ready to enter at the appropriate time
• Enter w/ your head up, unless your character demands otherwise
• Know the exact moment at that will be visible to the audience

MOVING ON STAGE: WALKING

• Your normal walking movement should be rhythmical and smooth.
• As you walk, look ahead.
• Certain characters may require you to walk slow, labored, jittery, etc.

MOVING ON STAGE: STANDING

• Keep your weight on the balls of your feet
• Stay still! Unless you have a motivated movement to make
• "Ootching" shows nervousness and inexperience; makes aud. uncomfortable

MOVING ON STAGE: TURNING

• Be mindful of the audience and turn toward them
• "Cheat Out!"

MOVING ON STAGE: SITTING

• Place yourself in a comfortable position
• Make sure you are poised to get up
• Don't slouch, unless your character calls for it
• If you must back into a chair, touch it w/ back of leg and sit

MOVING ON STAGE: RISING

• Anticipate the move by slowly easing forward
• Keep spine straight
• Rise with your weight on one foot, then shift to the other

MOVING ON STAGE: GESTURING

• Gestures should be definite and clear
• Halfhearted gestures show inexperience and lack of focus
• Gestures include shrugging, pointing, raising eyebrows, etc.

MOVING ON STAGE: EXITING

• Stay in character until you are completely offstage
• Exit with purpose

MOVING ON STAGE

• Practice these techniques until they appear effortless
• Constant repetition of motion helps you develop muscular memory