Vocal and physical skills
Director Michael Buffong works with two actors to explore the forces acting on on their characters and the impact of gesture.
Vocal and physical skills, or a performerâs use of voice and body, are the main tools for performing. Knowing how to use these tools for each role is essential, as each character is different and therefore the use of these skills should differ too. When making decisions about the acting skills required for a specific script, a performer must consider the playâs genreThe type of story being told., styleHow theatrical ideas are presented on stage. and theatrical conventionsThe rules or traditions that occur in that particular style or genre of theatre..
Vocal skills
The control and variety of vocal skills are really important for performers, whether they are on stage, screen or radio. Meaning can be communicated very powerfully through small and sometimes simple changes in the use of voice.
Physical skills
A performer can use a variety of physical skills to communicate meaning. Depending on the production and type of character, a performer may choose to exaggerate the use of their body, making everything âlarger than lifeâ, or they may keep the actions small, controlled and subtle. Selecting the appropriate physical movement for a specific script is a skill but can be practised during rehearsalThe process of preparing a production and getting it ready for performance..
blockingThe process of placing performers in a specific space. is the planning of where and when a performer goes on stage. It will often be decided by the director and stage manager. From this, the lighting and staging can be accurately designed and cueA signal that starts an action on stage or screen, eg a lighting change, music or a characterâs entrance., ensuring that performers are lit appropriately and arenât hidden by any set or scenery.