Mastering the Craft of Acting
The Performer's Body - Think of Jackie Chan, who was raised in the Peking Theater Company. He learned to use his body in a way that he could throw it around and do acrobats and stunts with out hurting himself (for the most part he did not hurt himself.) Theater makes strong demands on the performer's body. This is the same in Cirque du Soleil, where performers are doing superhuman tricks with their bodies.
Whether it's a play form the past or a modern play of today, actors put a lot of energy into their performances. They may have to run up and down steps or ramps. There might be sword fights or hand-to-hand combat.
The secret to a good fight sequence is that it's not a
fight at all, but excellent "choreography", or a dance. Jackie Chan stated it
should resembles a dance because of the timing of the movements.
The Performer's Voice - Actors must make sure their voices are in good shape so they can be heard by the audience, no matter how big the space is. Whether it's a small classroom or a large theater, the audience should be able to hear every word, even for a stage whisper.
The actors must make sure they use their voice appropriately so they don't lose their voice during the run of a performance.
Actors may also be required to learn different accents for
a certain part, which can be difficult.
Centering - When a person breathes, they breathe from the diaphragm, located in the center of the body under the stomach. If a person feels nervous, they get the butterflies in the stomach. When a person stretches, the stomach expands and contracts.When centering yourself you should be sitting quietly and trying to let go of the tension in you body and mind.
"Centering involves locating the place, which is roughly in the middle of the torso, where all the lines of force of the body come together. It is the 'point of convergence of the muscular, emotional and intellectual impulses within our bodies.' When performers are able to "center" themselves, they achieve a balance, a freedom, and a flexibility they could rarely find otherwise. This is a way of pulling everything together and allowing the performers to eliminate any blocks that impede either the body or the voice." (From the book, "Theater, The Lively Art")
Making Characters Believable - Making characters believable is different than making a character realistic. Have you seen movie or play that is not realistic, but are drawn into an actor's performance? If so, then the actor must have given a believable performance.
Realism - This drama is called realistic because it closely resembled what people could identify with and verify from their own experience.
Stanislavski Techniques - Click here to link to Stanislavski Techniques.
Training Techniques - Actors and actresses borrow from other disciplines when either training or preparing for a role. It's kind of like a "cross-training for performers". The purpose of borrowing from other activities is to gain a sense of relaxation, confidence and strength of the body and mind. Aside from acting techniques, performers may practice juggling, sports, dancing, or martial arts (such as Tai Chi) Again, look at Jackie Chan and his martial arts experience.
Tai Chi originated in China. Tai chi is not aggressive, but an ancient form of meditative exercise. It is a graceful, gentle exercise regimen. The movements are performed in slow motion. Those who practice it soon become aware of where tension is held. Once aware of the tension they learn how to relax and soften (without becoming limp and lifeless) the body and mind.
Pantomime - without words or props, a performer must indicate what he is doing by physical suggestion, such as lifting an imaginary box, driving, shaving, or walking against an imaginary wind. Click here to go to Pantomime Exercises