ELEMENTS

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ELEMENTS of PERFORMANCE
Take notes on EVERYTHING UNDERLINED!!!
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I. ACTING
a. Character Motivation
Why do you need character motivation?
To give them a reason to DO SOMETHING! We cannot
believe in the character if we do not believe in
what they do and why they do it.
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WRITE THIS DOWN FOR AN EXAMPLE OF CHARACTER
MOTIVATION
S W B S
O
OMEBODY
UT
ANTED
Resolution
Conflict
Character
Goal/Motivation
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SWBS of the 3 Little Pigs
Shelter (house) to protect from wolf.
The 2 lazy piggies houses were blown down and
they had to live with the 3rd piggy.
Piggies
2 piggies were lazy and wanted to build their
houses quickly
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SWBS of Frosty the Snowman
Frosty
He went to the North Pole to come back again
someday (next winter).
To play with the children.
The sun was warming things up.
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SWBS of Rudolph
Rudolph
To be accepted by the other reindeer and be a
part of Santas sleigh team.
His red nose was made fun of by the other
reindeer and he was not allowed to play any
reindeer games.
On a foggy and snowy Christmas Eve, Santa came to
Rudolph for help to guide his sleigh that night.
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I. ACTING (cont.)
b. Character Analysis
To analyze a character, you must find out what
makes him/her tick.
Here are some characteristics you will find out
about a character as the story progresses (list 4
in your notes)
Physical Traits what the character looks like
how he/she dresses how he moves
Weaknesses/Faults
Strengths/Virtues
Personality traits
History and Background
Motivation
Does the character have a function in the story?
Behavior/Actions
Relationships to other characters in the story or
how others see him/her.
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Analyze the characteristics of this character
tall, black costume, red lightsaber, probably
evil.
ANYMORE????
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List characteristics of this character
Yellow, square, brown pants, red tie, goofy
ANYMORE????
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List characteristics of this character
Nerd, wears suspenders, pants up, shows socks
ANYMORE????
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II.SPEAKING
a. Breath Control
The ability to provide a good supply of air to
the vocal chords.
Breath control affects the quality sound, volume
and pitch.
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Have you ever run a long time and you are panting
for air? Is it hard to talk? YES!!!
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SPEAKING (cont.)
b. Projection
Making sure your voice is heard by everyone,
from front row to back row.
THIS IS NOT YELLING!!!
You use your bodys own natural resonators The
voice box, the mouth and the nose.
Proper instruction and vocal exercises will help
with the projection of the voice.
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SPEAKING (cont.)
c. Vocal Expression
Being able to create a unique voice that
represents a character and their feelings and
emotions.
HOW WOULD YOU VOCALIZE THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS?
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SPEAKING (cont.)
d. Diction
The art of speaking in such a way that every word
is heard clearly.
Clear and correct pronunciation of words is very
important for an actor.
If the actor doesnt pronounce their words
clearly, then no one in the audience is going to
understand them.
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III. Non-verbal Expression
a. Gestures
Communication made with a part of the body.
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BRING IT ON!!!
Good Job!
No Good!
Good Luck.
You Talkin To ME???
I dont know!
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Non-verbal Expression (cont.)
b. Facial Expressions
Shows emotions.
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Example Facial Expressions
Surprised or Amazed
Smug or Vain
Doubt or Disinterest
Ease
Happy
Laughter
Fear or Shock
Love or Daydream
Aggresive
Punch Drunk
Anger
Hate
Pain or Strain
Sad
Bored
Mild
Suspicion
Mixed Emotions
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Non-verbal Expression (cont.)
c. Body Alignment
How the actors body is turned while on stage.
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POSITIONS
¾ Turn (to right or left)
Full Front
¼ Turn (left of right
½ Turn (left or right)
Full Back
To deliver important lines
Two actors share a scene
For arguments of comic effects
To give a scene to another actor
Rarely used Special Cases
AUDIENCE
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Non-verbal Expression (cont.)
d. Character Blocking and Movement
Blocking is planning the movement of the actor
for the play.
The stage is divided up into sections to help the
director block the play and provide a road
map for the actors.
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UP STAGE
CENTER STAGE
DOWN STAGE
AUDIENCE
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CENTER
RIGHT
LEFT
AUDIENCE
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STAGE GRID (FROM THE ACTORS PERSPECTIVE)
Up Center
Up Right
Up Left
Right Center
Center Stage
Left Center
Down Center
Down Left
Down Right
AUDIENCE
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TYPES OF STAGES
Dressing Rooms
Costume Shop
STAGE
Scene Shop
Proscenium Opening
Apron
Orchestra Pit
PROSCENIUM STAGE
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TYPES OF STAGES
Back Stage
Scene Shop
Costume Shop
STAGE
STAGE
Audience
Audience
THRUST STAGE
Audience
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TYPES OF STAGES
Audience
STAGE
Audience
Audience
Audience
ARENA STAGE