The Directors Eye Stage CompositionCreating memorable stage pictures
The Director’s Eye Stage Composition—Creating memorable stage pictures l Emphasize the character who is most important in the moment
Stage Composition l 4 elements of Stage Composition l Body positions l Strongest: full front—important lines l 2 nd strongest: full back—special cases l 3 rd strongest: ¼ front—used in shared scenes l Weakest—profile l Stage areas l Characters closer to the audience (downstage) vs. away from the audience (upstage) l Strongest stage area: DC l Weakest stage area: UL
Stage Composition l Levels create a more interesting visual picture l Created by using platforms, stairs, etc. l Person who is at the highest height is the focus l Planes—positioning actors at different depths on the stage l Diagonals—create tension l Same plane—equal focus l Triangles create tension for 3+ actors
Stage Composition l The 4 elements of composition help to determine the FOCUS of the scene l Where the audience should be looking and which character they should be watching l 4 elements of composition determine the emphasis l Direct emphasis=1 character focus l Duo emphasis=2 character focus l Diversified emphasis=multiple focal points
Onstage Movement l Considerations… l NEVER MOVE WITHOUT A PURPOSE l If you can’t answer why you are moving, or if the answer is “because the script says to”, then DON’T l Think about the actions you need to take to accomplish your objective l Hidden motives? l Character interaction? l Physical obstacles on the set?
Onstage Movement How does the audience interpret onstage movement? l 1 actor moves toward a stationary actor= l Confrontation l 1 actor moves away from a stationary actor= l Avoidance l Both actors are moving (chase)= l Both confrontation and avoidance Any movement onstage pulls audience focus!
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