Acting - Things you should know

TIMING

Ability "to move and speak in precise manner at right moment for particular impact; pacing of action

RHYTHM

Ability to understand and utilize the rhythmic expression of the play - dictated by script, director, other actors, type of play

STYLE

Ability to absorb and produce particular way of presentation; unified form of any play dictated by director's vision, company agreement; conventions of particular type of play, particular period of theatre

PACE

Ability to regulate speed of delivery and speed of action - dictated by dramatic potential

ATMOSPHERE

Ability to create atmosphere - self-belief so that audience believe (Stanislavski - if, imagination

INTERACTION

Communication with, and reaction to other actors; identification with relationships within roles with other characters

CHARACTERISATION

Ability to create a believable character within a role - through analysis, understanding, discussion, improvisation, belief, faith, living the part (Stanislavski - action, imagination, faith and a sense of truth, emotion memory; threshold of subconscious)

EMOTIONAL IMPACT

Ability to feel right emotions within the role, and communicate them to audience (Stanislavki - fundamental of system)

FOCUS

Ability to hold attention of actors and audience, and to direct attention of audience to specific persons or areas of stage (Stanislavski - circles of attention)

SUSTAIN

Ability to sustain a role through an entire play; to sustain momentum, mood, atmosphere, pace as required.

GENEROSITY

Ability to offer something to play off to others; ability to allow focus to be with other actors

STILLNESS

Ability to show thoughts and emotions without movement (Stanislavski – dramatic inaction)

SPATIAL AWARENESS

Ability to create space around self and other actors; positioning - in relation to each other/to audience; physical movement on stage; utilization of props or set

BREATH CONTROL

Ability to control breath for vocal projection; for physical control of energy and use of voice

STAMINA

Ability "to maintain energy, sustain role or momentum

STRENGTH

Ability to maintain stamina, fitness for physical and vocal control; for emotional control - carrying it through (emotional tension/sensation is physically draining)

RELAXATION

Ability to use voice and body without damage; to allow emotions to come through within character .at points of high tension (Stanislavski - relaxation of muscles; threshold of subconscious)

CONTROL

Ability to have power over voice, body; relaxation and suppleness of body; over scene; over audience response (Stanislavski - communion, adaptation)

COMMUNICATION

Ability to be in communication with other actors; with audience (Stanislavski communion, adaptation)

PHYSICAL

Flexibility - characterization; use of positions; type of walk, limp, injury; how to hold body
Versatility - able to adapt postures to different characterizations; move body in variety of ways
Adaptability - adjust -for character, to other actors, to audience, to set, to stage (differs in different theatres)
Agility - body easily able to adopt any required posture