Element of Theatre: ACTING

Historically speaking . . . acting was done through:

• Big mask, elaborate make-up, fancy costumes


• Dancing


• Singing


• Pantomime

In Shakespeare's time . . . the acting style was:

• Big, declamatory voice (passionate ranting)


• Posing, posturing, grand movements (sawing the air with hands)


• Actions didn't always suit the words spoken


• only done by men . . . boys played women's roles


• interacting with the audience


• in verse (tripped up the actors often)

In the late 1800's/early 1900's, Stanislavsky developed a system of training for actors which included:

• Relaxation


• Concentration and Observation


• Importance of Specifics


• Inner Truth


• Action Onstage


• What/Why/How


• Through-line of a Role


• Ensemble playing


• Psychophysical Action


• Emotional Recall

Today, Actor Training involves:

• Body (kinesthetic awareness)


• Voice


• Intellect


• Ensemble/Group training