Creation and presentation of original physical theatre work

Creation and presentation of original physical theatre work

Creation of Original Physical Theatre Work

Understanding Physical Theatre

  • Physical theatre as a performing arts genre combines movement, gesture, and visual elements to create a distinct form of communication.
  • It often incorporates other art forms, such as dance and mime, and may utilise non-traditional scenic elements like acrobatics and puppetry.

Techniques for Creating Physical Theatre

  • Brainstorming Ideas: Generate ideas for a piece of physical theatre based on a theme, story, or concept.
  • Storyboarding: Sketch out your ideas in a storyboard format to visualize the sequence of movements and scenes.
  • Improvisation: Improvise movement sequences individually or in a group to explore character dynamics and narrative possibilities.
  • Workshopping: Utilise workshops to refine and extend initial ideas into structured sequences.

Presentation of Original Physical Theatre Work

Preparing the Performance

  • Blocking: Designate performers’ positions and movements on stage to ensure clarity of action and effective use of space.
  • Rehearsing: Regularly rehearse to maintain physical fitness, precision of movement, and synchronicity with other performers.
  • Staging: Develop the stage setup including props, lighting, and sound to complement and enhance the physical performance.
  • Costume Selection: Choose costumes that reflect characters and themes and allow for ease of movement.

Delivering the Performance

  • Energy and Commitment: Physical theatre demands high levels of energy and commitment from performers to fully realise the physical and emotional intensity of the work.
  • Clarity of Movement: Gestures and movements must be executed with precision and clarity to communicate the intended message or emotion.
  • Audience Engagement: Performers should connect with the audience through eye contact and spatial awareness, creating a more immersive performing experience.
  • Character Consistency: Maintain consistent physical characterisation throughout the performance to ensure believability and continuity.

Reviewing the Performance

  • Self-evaluation: Reflect on your own performance, considering what worked well and areas for improvement.
  • Peer Feedback: Encourage constructive criticism from peers to gain a different perspective on your performance.
  • Audience Reaction: Pay attention to audience responses and feedback as these can offer valuable insights for future performances.

Improving Future Performances

  • Continued Practice: Regular training and development in physical theatre techniques will enhance future performances.
  • Exploration of New Techniques: Experiment with different physical theatre styles and techniques to continually evolve your work.
  • Openness to Feedback: Be receptive to critiques and use them as a tool for growth and improvement as a performer.