Basic Acting Techniques and Concepts Study Guide

Sense Memory

A technique in which an actor draws on the memory recalling the physical sensations of similar circumstances—taste, touch, sight, smell, sounds—can induce a similar sensory state while acting, creating a truthful representation.

Externals

A physical adjustment made by the actor that either aids in the telling of the story or illustrates an imaginary circumstance of the play.

Bodily adjustment

Extrernal. Examples include limp, hump, lisp.

Ornament

Extrenal. Makeup / costumes.

Physical state

external. Examples include drunk, cold, injured.

Myth of the character

Bringing ourselves and experiences to the character.

GOAT

The Holy Grail of the Actor.

Given Circumstances

The 4 Ws: Who, When, Where, What.

Who

Background, Family, Socioeconomic status, Age, Gender, Race, Religion, Relationship, Mental Health, Habits, Worldview.

When

Time period, Time of day, Season.

Where

Location, Country, City.

What

What's happening (e.g., Romance, conflict), What are they talking about?

Objective

What does the character want?

Super Objective

What is the goal by the end of the play?

Action

What do I want to get the other person to do or say?

Through-Line Action

Action that you're taking to achieve the super objective.

Scene Action

In support of through-line action, building blocks to the through-line action.

Cap

When the action is successfully executed.

Tactics

How will you go about achieving your action?

Beat

A single unit of action; a scene may have one or more.

Beat change

The point in a scene a new action begins.

Scene Structure

Includes Exposition, Inciting Incident, Rising Action, Climax, and Resolution.

Exposition

Background information of the play or scene, including given circumstances and introduction of the characters.

Inciting Incident

A specific event which sets the conflict of the play in motion.

Rising Action

Obstacles leading to the point of new return.

Climax

Turning point; Point of No Return; should include the main character.

Resolution

Anything that happens after the climax; unresolved questions are answered; wraps up the story.

Konstantine Stanislavski

Famous Russian acting theorist who laid the groundwork for all acting technique in the 20th century.

As if or Magic if

Using the actor's imagination to gain an understanding of the action and the consequences of not completing that action.

Requirements of a good action

1. Be physically capable of being done. 2. Be fun to do. 3. Be specific. 4. Have its test in the other person. 5. Not be an errand. 6. Not presuppose any physical or emotional state. 7. Not be manipulative. 8. Have a 'cap.' 9. Be in line with the intentions of the playwright.

Stage Directions

Includes Upstage, Center, Left, Right, Downstage, and Audience.