Stage Movement Fundamentals of Theatre I Body Positions

Stage Movement Fundamentals of Theatre I

Body Positions

Stage Movement Vocabulary • Cyclorama – a background curtain hung around the back of the stage. Also known as the cyc. • Wing – Areas off to the sides of the stage. • Proscenium – The opening between the stage and the auditorium. • Leg – Narrow curtains that do not move to the side of the stage. They help mask sightlines and give entrances and exits. • Apron – The area of stage in front of the curtain. • Traveler – Curtain that travels across the stage and cuts off 1/3 of the stage.

Parts of a Stage

Proscenium Arch

Areas of Stage

Areas of the Stage

Curtains

Parts of the Stage 7. Teaser 1. Proscenium Arch 4. Grand Drape 3. Wing 6. Orchestra Pit 5. Apron

• I need 10 volunteers to come to the front of the APRON and stand in the OPEN Position. • Only move when I say “Mr. Morris says…” • If you move in the wrong direction or at the wrong cue you are out and will quietly move back to your seat.

Sitting on Stage… • FEEL the REASON you are sitting. • The process… ▫ APPROACH the chair. ▫ BRUSH the BACK of LEGS against the FRONT of chair… ▫ sit, without LOOKING at the CHAIR.

Sitting on Stage… • Have SOMETHING TO DO while SITTING. ▫ (STAGE BUSINESS) �Small action with a Prop • Avoid NERVOUS HABITS • Avoid CROSSING YOUR LEGS.

Turning On Stage…. • THE STAGE CROSS • REMEMBER…THE CROSS MUST BE MOTIVATED!!! 1. A B Audience 2. • For more attention…speak LINE when MOVING!!! B A Audience 3. B A Audience

Gestures On Stage… Rules for Gestures… • Use you Upstage hand. • Avoid HANDS on HIPS or in POCKETS. • All gestures must have a PURPOSE. • Gesture ABOVE the WAIST.

The Stage Fall… • Steps to follow: 1. Weaken at the Ankles 2. Fall to hip 3. Tuck elbow 4. Shoulder hit 5. Rest head on floor

Miscellaneous Rules For Movement… • Kneel on the DOWNSTAGE knee. • Walking up the steps/stairs…begin with UPSTAGE foot. • Don’t UPSTAGE another actor. ▫ TO UPSTAGE means: When an actor takes the attention away from the actor who should have it.

Miscellaneous Rules For Movement… • Use a VARIETY of MOVEMENT. • MOVEMENT reflects EMOTION. • Plan/Rehearse you MOVEMENT.

Remember…MOVEMENT must be MOTIVATED