Business

Definition

In acting, 'business' refers to the specific actions, movements, or activities that an actor incorporates into their performance to enhance character development and storytelling. It includes all the little gestures, habits, and physical activities that define a character's personality and intentions within a scene. Business can help convey emotional depth, establish relationships between characters, and make scenes more dynamic and engaging.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Business helps differentiate characters by showcasing their unique traits and idiosyncrasies, making them more relatable and memorable to the audience.
2. Incorporating business into a scene can help maintain the pace and flow of dialogue, as it keeps the audience visually engaged.
3. Effective use of business can enhance the emotional tone of a scene by allowing actors to express feelings non-verbally through physical actions.
4. Actors often collaborate with directors to establish appropriate business that aligns with the overall vision for the production.
5. Understanding when to include or omit business is crucial; too much can be distracting, while too little can make performances feel flat.

Review Questions

• How does business contribute to character development in acting?
  • Business significantly contributes to character development by allowing actors to express their characters' personalities through specific actions and movements. These actions can reveal underlying motivations, emotions, and relationships with other characters. By integrating meaningful business into their performances, actors can create more layered portrayals that resonate with the audience.
• What role does business play in maintaining the pacing of a scene?
  • Business plays a vital role in maintaining the pacing of a scene by keeping the action visually stimulating for the audience. When actors engage in relevant activities during dialogue, it prevents lulls in energy and helps sustain momentum throughout the performance. Properly timed business can enhance comedic timing or dramatic tension, making scenes feel more dynamic.
• Evaluate how different types of business can affect an actor's portrayal of emotions during a performance.
  • Different types of business can greatly influence how emotions are portrayed in a performance. For example, a character nervously fidgeting with an object may convey anxiety or insecurity without needing explicit dialogue. Similarly, an actor who uses assertive business might express confidence or dominance. By choosing specific actions that align with their emotional state, actors can create authentic representations of feelings that engage and connect with the audience on a deeper level.

Related terms

Blocking: The precise staging of actors in order to facilitate the performance and ensure that the audience can clearly see the action.

Motivation: The reason behind a character's actions and behaviors, driving their decisions and influencing their business on stage.

Characterization: The process of creating a believable character through detailed attributes, including physical appearance, behavior, and emotional responses.