ELEMENTS

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ELEMENTS of PERFORMANCE
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I. ACTING
a. Character Motivation
Why do you need character motivation?
To give them a reason to DO SOMETHING! Characters
in action is what makes plot, and motivation
creates action AND individualizes character.
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I. ACTING (cont.)
b. Character Analysis
To analyze a character, you must find out what
makes him/her tick.
Look at the character as you would anyone you
would meet for the first time. You may notice or
learn the following
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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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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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 distinctive 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 The process of
sending and receiving wordless messages.
a. Gestures
Communication made with a part of the body and
used INSTEAD OF VERBAL COMMUNICATION.
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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
Tells the emotional state of the character to the
audience members.
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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
The angle of the actors body onstage in
relationship to the audience.
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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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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
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NOW its YOUR turn to apply performance
elements in class.