THTR 1020 Chapter : Universal Qualities Of Acting
Document Summary
Energy: requires physical, emotional, and mental energy, directed energy = stage presence. Control: even in highly emotional moments or states of ecstatic movements, some aspect of consciousness oversees what happens. Focus: the body is on alert in the theatrical environment and attention cannot wander. Purpose: all action on stage is purposeful and meaningful. Enlargement: actors must be able to enlarge movements, voices, and energy field without losing a sense of authenticity. In theatre traditions that use masks, the transformation is palpable. In western theatre, where actors rarely use masks, the actor uses self the body, mind, and feelings to transform the self. Acting warm-ups: helps the actor with the universal qualities, relieves tension that could block emotional flow, to loosen and limber, and to get centered and focused. The process: create resume & headshot, auditions (cold read and prepared monologue, callbacks.
