stage movement fundamentals of theatre i. body positions
TRANSCRIPT
Stage MovementFundamentals of Theatre I
Body Positions
Stage Movement Vocabulary • Cyclorama – a background curtain hung around the back of the
stage. Also known as the cyc.
• Wing – Areas off to the sides of the stage.
• Proscenium – The opening between the stage and the auditorium.
• Leg – Narrow curtains that do not move to the side of the stage. They help mask sightlines and give entrances and exits.
• Apron – The area of stage in front of the curtain.
• Traveler – Curtain that travels across the stage and cuts off 1/3 of the stage.
Parts of a Stage
Proscenium Arch
Areas of Stage
Areas of the Stage
Curtains
Parts of the Stage1. Proscenium Arch
4. Grand Drape
3. Wing
7. Teaser
5. Apron6. Orchestra Pit
MORRIS SAYS…• I need 10 volunteers to
come to the front of the APRON and stand in the OPEN Position.
• Only move when I say “Mr. Morris says…”
• If you move in the wrong direction or at the wrong cue you are out and will quietly move back to your seat.
Sitting on Stage…• FEEL the REASON you
are sitting.
• The process…▫ APPROACH the chair. ▫ BRUSH the BACK of
LEGS against the FRONT of chair…
▫ sit, without LOOKING at the CHAIR.
Sitting on Stage…• Have SOMETHING TO
DO while SITTING. ▫ (STAGE BUSINESS)
Small action with a Prop
• Avoid NERVOUS HABITS
• Avoid CROSSING YOUR LEGS.
Turning On Stage….• THE STAGE CROSS
• REMEMBER…THE CROSS MUST BE MOTIVATED!!!
• For more attention…speak LINE when MOVING!!!
1. A B
Audience
2. B
AAudience
3. B A
Audience
Gestures On Stage…Rules for Gestures…
• Use you Upstage hand.
• Avoid HANDS on HIPS or in POCKETS.
• All gestures must have a PURPOSE.
• Gesture ABOVE the WAIST.
The Stage Fall…
•Steps to follow:1. Weaken at the
Ankles2. Fall to hip3. Tuck elbow4. Shoulder hit5. Rest head on
floor
Miscellaneous Rules For Movement…
• Kneel on the DOWNSTAGE knee.
• Walking up the steps/stairs…begin with UPSTAGE foot.
• Don’t UPSTAGE another actor. ▫ TO UPSTAGE means:
When an actor takes the attention away from the actor who should have it.
Miscellaneous Rules For Movement…
• Use a VARIETY of MOVEMENT.
• MOVEMENT reflects EMOTION.
• Plan/Rehearse you MOVEMENT.
Remember…MOVEMENT must be
MOTIVATED