Establishing character and plot
Director Michael Buffong guides two actors performing A Kind of People by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, to a deeper understanding of the characters they play
The aim of performing is to ensure that the playwrightSomeone who writes plays. intentions can be communicated to an audience. Knowing what these intentions are will help a performer choose how to perform. It is a performerâs job to interpret and perform a character as appropriate to the demands of the performance. Creating this character is known as characterisationThe creation of a fictional character.. This has to be held or sustained throughout the performance.
The mediumThe type of performance or communication, eg TV, radio, film or stage. of theatre affects how a performer interprets a script - traditionally, TV and film have required more subtle and controlled acting choices than theatre. staging configurationThe type of stage and where the audience are in relation to the performers. should also be considered when deciding how to perform a script. If the performance is on stage, then the type of staging or space is crucial. For example, a performer in an intimate studio space might perform very differently compared to performing in a large, outdoor amphitheatreOpen air theatre space. Raised seating for the audience and a circular playing space for the actors. Originated with Ancient Greek Theatre..
Readthroughs
When working from a script, readthroughA rehearsal to read through and analyse a play. are a chance to read through and analyse the play, helping to establish the plotThe sequence of events in a narrative; a story. features and characters. From this, discussions can begin on how best to transfer this all from page to stage and performers can experiment with how they will perform the lines.