theatre arts MOVEMENT TYPES OF STAGES PROSCENIUM THRUST

theatre arts MOVEMENT

TYPES OF STAGES PROSCENIUM � THRUST � ARENA �

PROSCENI UM

Proscenium Stage PROSCENIUM ARCH AUDIENCE APRON

THRUS T

THRUST STAGE

ARENA “theatre in the round” • flexible seating

ARENA STAGE

STAGE DIRECTIONS proscenium & thrust stage only Strongest area

BODY POSITIONS FF-important lines ¼ - most dialogue scenes Profile: • intense scenes such as quarreling, accusing, romancing, etc. • used to obtain comic effects FB – used in special occasions

The Prime of Miss Jean Identify the body positions…

MOVEMENT All movement MUST be motivated or justified. � NO shuffling your feet, fidgeting, or nervously moving. � An actor should never move without a purpose. All movement must be simplified. � Use carefully chosen movement that clearly conveys your ideas. Movement must reveal character. A character’s personality, attitude, health & age SHOWS movement • Fat person vs. thin person; easy-going person vs. nervous person; Youth’s actions vs. older people. • Always move in character! •

BLOCKING The precise movement and positioning of an actor on a stage BLOCKING NOTATIONS � � � � EN – enter (to come in) EX – exit (to leave) X – to cross (or move from 1 stage area to another) CX – counter cross (move away) A – above (upstage of object) B – below (downstage of object) O – open up or “cheat out” (turn body, face to audience)

BLOCKING NOTATIONS � � � 1. DR 1/4 L 2. X UCFF 3. X UR 1/4 L 4. X CPRL 5. X DL 3/4 R 6. X UL-FF

Straight cross FLOOR PLAN • A bird’s eye view of the set, drawn to scale, showing placement of set pieces & furniture X Front door shortest, most direct route • Strength, decisiveness & determination Curved cross • indecision, casualness, grace, or ease Bath room Desk Windows

CHARACTER MOVEMENT When an actor adds DETAILED, physical action, which furthers the character’s believability and realism Mannerisms • Stage Business • Gestures •

CHARACTER MOVEMENT MANNERISMS • • Habits of the character without a prop Ex: bouncing leg, twirling hair, cracking knuckles STAGE BUSINNESS • • Habits of the character with a prop Ex: smoking, tapping a pencil, popping chewing gum GUESTURES using hand, arm, body, head or face movements to express thought or emotion • Ex: wave good bye or come here; frown, stick out tongue •

Identify the gesture, mannerism or stage business…

CHARACTER MOVEMENT WEIGHT • How light or heavy the character is on their feet; not the physical weight of the character TIME • The speed in which the character moves SPACE • The amount of space the character occupies or takes up POSTURE • The body position of the character as they move

MOVEMENT REMINDERS (all but arena) AWAYS…. . Use the upstage part of your body • Stay open to audience • Use motivated movement • Use detailed movement to show characterization • NEVER…. Break character • Pace, wonder or just stand there •