1.4 Introduction to basic acting terminology

Acting terminology forms the foundation of theatrical communication. From basic concepts like the fourth wall to advanced techniques like method acting, these terms help actors and directors create compelling performances.

Stage directions, blocking, and character analysis further enhance storytelling on stage. Understanding motivations, objectives, and subtext allows actors to bring depth and authenticity to their roles, creating memorable theatrical experiences for audiences.

Acting Terminology

Fundamental Acting Concepts

Top images from around the web for Fundamental Acting Concepts

• 

  Method acting - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Improvisation Theatre and Presentations - The Mobile Presenter View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Method acting - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Method acting - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Improvisation Theatre and Presentations - The Mobile Presenter View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Fundamental Acting Concepts

• 

  Method acting - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Improvisation Theatre and Presentations - The Mobile Presenter View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Method acting - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Method acting - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Improvisation Theatre and Presentations - The Mobile Presenter View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Acting portrays characters or situations on stage, screen, or other performance media through physical, vocal, and emotional techniques
• Fourth wall creates an imaginary barrier between performers and audience in traditional theater
• Breaking character occurs when actors unintentionally drop their portrayal during a performance (forgetting lines, laughing)
• Upstaging draws attention away from other actors or main action of a scene (physically positioning upstage)
• Method acting immerses actors fully in character emotions and experiences, maintaining persona off-stage
• Improvisation requires actors to spontaneously create dialogue, actions, and scenes without a predetermined script
• Subtext conveys underlying meaning or intention behind a character's words or actions not explicitly stated in the script

Advanced Acting Techniques

• Emotional recall uses personal memories to evoke genuine emotions for a scene
• Sense memory recreates physical sensations to trigger emotional responses
• Animal work involves studying and embodying animal behaviors to develop character physicality
• Hot seating allows actors to improvise responses to questions while in character, deepening their understanding
• Meisner technique focuses on reacting truthfully to partners, emphasizing "living truthfully under imaginary circumstances"
• Viewpoints explores movement and gesture through concepts like tempo, duration, and spatial relationships
• Stanislavski's system emphasizes psychological realism and emotional truth in performance

Stage Directions

Basic Stage Directions

• Stage directions guide actors and directors on movement, positioning, and actions during performances
• Upstage refers to the back of the stage, while downstage indicates the front (originated from sloped stages)
• Stage left and right are given from actor's perspective facing audience
• House left and right are from audience's perspective
• Center stage marks the middle of the performance area (important moments, focus)
• Enter and exit specify when characters come onto or leave the stage (Enter stage left)
• Parenthetical directions within dialogue guide line delivery (angrily, whispering)

Technical and Advanced Directions

• Technical directions include lighting cues, sound effects, and set changes
• Crossing refers to an actor moving from one side of the stage to the other
• Cheating out involves angling the body slightly toward the audience while still maintaining scene realism
• Sightlines indicate areas where actors can be seen by all audience members
• Masking occurs when actors or set pieces block the audience's view of other elements
• Business refers to small actions or movements performed by actors to add realism (fidgeting, adjusting clothing)
• Beats in stage directions indicate brief pauses or shifts in action or mood

Blocking, Motivation, and Objective

Blocking and Movement

• Blocking plans movement and positioning of actors on stage to enhance visual storytelling
• Tableaux create frozen, picture-like arrangements of actors to convey specific moments or themes
• Levels utilize different heights (standing, sitting, lying down) to create visual interest and convey relationships
• Traffic patterns establish consistent paths of movement for actors throughout a scene or play
• Countermovement involves actors moving in opposite directions to create dynamic stage pictures
• Focal points direct audience attention to specific areas or actions on stage
• Stage business incorporates small actions to make characters appear natural and lived-in

Character Motivation and Objectives

• Motivation drives a character's actions, words, and decisions (revenge, love, ambition)
• Objectives define specific goals or desires within scenes or the overall play (win an argument, gain forgiveness)
• Super-objective spans the entire play, influencing all character choices and actions (find true love, overthrow a government)
• Tactics employ specific actions or strategies to achieve objectives (flattery, intimidation, logic)
• Given circumstances establish facts about a character's situation (time period, social status, relationships)
• Through-line connects a character's objectives and motivations throughout the entire play
• Obstacles present challenges that characters must overcome to achieve their objectives (rival characters, internal conflicts)

Acting Terminology for Analysis

Character and Script Analysis

• Character analysis examines background, motivations, and relationships to inform actor portrayals
• Script analysis identifies themes, subtext, and character arcs for deeper understanding
• Beats break down scenes into smallest units of action, identifying shifts in emotion or intention
• Given circumstances provide context for character choices (historical setting, social norms)
• Character arc traces the development and changes a character undergoes throughout the play
• Spine of the character represents their core driving force or essential nature
• Subtext analysis uncovers hidden meanings and intentions behind dialogue and actions

Performance Evaluation and Critique

• Performance critique uses acting terminology to evaluate productions (individual performances, ensemble work)
• Physicalization expresses inner thoughts and emotions through body language, gestures, and movement
• Emotional truth relates to authenticity and believability of an actor's portrayal
• Status conveys characters' relative power and social positions through acting choices and interactions
• Vocal variety assesses an actor's use of pitch, tone, and rhythm to convey character and emotion
• Ensemble work evaluates how well actors collaborate and support each other on stage
• Pacing and timing analyze the rhythm and flow of scenes and overall production