Performance from a Text: Performance Skills

Performance from a Text: Performance Skills

Character Understanding and Development

  • Understanding the character: To express the emotions and actions of a character convincingly, it’s essential to understand their motivations, relationships, and backstories. Use textual evidence as the basis for character development.

Vocal and Physical Expression

  • Vocal Technique: Use projection, diction, pace, pause, tone, and intonation to enhance the performance. These techniques help the audience understand the character’s emotions and intentions.
  • Physical Expression: Think about how your character moves and stands. Posture, facial expressions and gestures contribute to a holistic portrayal of a character.

Use of Space and Timing

  • Use of Space: Interacting with the performance space effectively is crucial. Consider the character’s status, emotions, and intentions when making decisions about movement and positioning.
  • Timing: Good timing, especially in comedy, can enhance the audience’s enjoyment of a performance. Practice your lines to achieve flawless timing.

Reaction, Interaction and Improvisation

  • Reaction and Interaction: Reacting and interacting convincingly with other characters is vital for making the performance believable. Ensure your reactions align with the character’s persona and the situation within the scene.
  • Improvisation Skills: Although your lines are memorised, your reactions should feel spontaneous. This requires the flexibility to respond to unexpected events or changes from fellow performers.

Understanding the Director’s Vision and Experimentation

  • Understanding the director’s vision: Aim to understand the director’s vision and interpret it in your performance. This approach facilitates collaboration, resulting in a more cohesive production.
  • Experimentation: Try out different interpretations of the same line or scene to find the most effective way to convey the character and the storyline.

Incorporation of Feedback

  • Incorporating Feedback: Be open to feedback from directors, teachers, and peers. Use criticism constructively to improve your performance.