Body Position
—The body position refers to the actor’s position on stage. Some positions are more meaningful than others. For example, the more open an actor is to the audience the more important he seems. A standing position is more dominant than a sitting position and a one quarter turn is more dominant than a three quarter turn. An upright position would be more meaningful for example than a stooping, leaning or flat position.
The following are diagrams of the stage areas which I use in planning my blocking. It enables me to see each area clearly and to determine where I want my actors. I can also move my actors’ positions and draw in various levels and patterns.
DIAGRAM A
(figure available in print form)
DIAGRAM B
(figure available in print form)
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DIAGRAM A Key
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DIAGRAM B Key
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UR—Up stage right
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Full Front
—refers to the ac-
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UC—Up stage center
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tors body position. Ex: Full
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UL—Up stage left
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front indicates that the actor
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R—Right of center stage
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faces directly front.
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C—Center stage
L—Left of center stage
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A Quarter Position
—45° away
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DR—Down right stage
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from the audience.
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DC—Down center stage
DL—Down left stage
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Profile
—90° turn so the side
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XL—Cross to left stage from
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of the body is toward the aud-
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C, etc.
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ience.
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All directions are based on the
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Three Quarter
—a point halfway
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actors
position on stage.
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from a profile position to full
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EX: The actor’s right is his
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back.
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left.
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Full Back—
back is directly toward the
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audience.
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In blocking or staging levels are very important. The higher the level the more attention that particular actor receives. The audience will focus immediately on the tallest figure or highest piece which brings us to
eye focus
.
Direct focus
for example would mean that actors A, B and C, for example, are looking at D. The most effective arrangement of actors on a stage is the triangle where the other actors and audience can
focus
on the apex or main character in a given scene. For example:
(figure available in print form)
(figure available in print form)
(figure available in print form)
Actors, you should pass in front of each other on stage for emphasis unless playing a servant or minor character.
It is important to work as an ensemble. You should only cross in front of another actor/student on your own speeches or when there is a break in the action.
Lesson Plan IV
Objective
To familiarize students with the technical elements of makeup application and costuming.
Strategies
Students will receive handouts to study for discussion and explanation. I will continue the warmups at the beginning of each class.