SECTION 3: SPACE, LEVELS, PACE AND RHYTHM

What are levels in physical theatre?

The different heights performers use on stage to create visual variety and interesting stage pictures.

Name the three main levels and give an example of each. (3 marks)

Low: Crouching, kneeling or sitting.

Medium: Standing upright.

High: Jumping, standing on blocks or being lifted.

What is proximity in theatre?

The distance between characters on stage.

What can characters' proximity communicate about their relationships?

Standing close together: Friendship, trust or intimacy.

Standing far apart: Conflict, tension or emotional distance.

One character standing alone: Loneliness or isolation.

What is a stage picture?

The visual image the audience sees at any moment during a performance.

What four features help create a strong stage picture?

Clear shapes

Different levels

Interesting spacing

Strong focus

What is pace in physical theatre?

The speed of movement and action.

What is rhythm in physical theatre?

The pattern of movement and sound over time, such as a steady beat, a repeated phrase or a sudden pause.

What is the difference between pace and rhythm?

Pace: How fast or slowly movement and action occur.

Rhythm: The pattern of movement and sound over time.

How can changes in pace affect the mood of a scene?

Speeding up can build excitement or panic.

Slowing down can create sadness, suspense or calm.

What can steady rhythm, gradually speeding up, gradually slowing down and sudden stillness communicate?

Steady rhythm: Order, routine or control.

Gradually speeding up: Rising tension or excitement.

Gradually slowing down: Tiredness, sadness or fading energy.

Sudden stillness after fast action: Shock or a dramatic turning point.

What does moving in unison mean, and what can it communicate?

Moving together at the same pace. It can communicate unity or suggest that a group thinks as one.

What can movements that are out of time with one another communicate?

Chaos, conflict or confusion.

What is body percussion, and what are its three main purposes in physical theatre?

Body percussion is sound produced using the body, such as clapping, stomping, snapping fingers or tapping the chest or legs.

Its purposes are:

• Establishing rhythm for movement.

• Building atmosphere.

• Representing machines or environments.