Acting: Basic Principles of Stage Movement

During a live performance, the relationship between an artist and the audience is more than just a performance and observation. Physically and emotionally, there’s little separation between both parties and a huge deal of direct interaction. Self-assurance is essential and, yes, as cheesy as it may seem, confidence is the key. If you don’t have the natural confidence that lights up the room every time you walk in it, it’s time to put these stage hacks into action:

• All of your movements must be motivated or justified. Shuffling your feet, twiddling, or nervously moving at random is unacceptable. An actor should never move purposelessly.

• The movement must be simplified. While the action in real life is often complex and detailed, art must be more selective if it is to communicate. An actor must use carefully chosen movements that clearly conveys the idea.
• The movement must portray the character, their personality, attitude, health, and age — the movement reveals it all. Always move in character, if your goal is to give a convincing portrayal.
• The movement must be open to the audience without appearing obvious. Use a one-quarter body position — halfway between profile and full front. Always remember that the audience is the most important!
• Your movement must adjust to the other onstage characters; always keep in mind your relationship with them.
• Also, think about functionality: your audience must be allowed to see and hear the important items. Creating a center of interest that catches and holds the audience’s attention is crucial.
• Always remember to restrain yourself from exaggerating too much!
• The movement must maintain pleasing stage picture; the stage must create the right type of balance. Since the stage is ever changing, the actor must constantly keep in mind maintaining the balance.

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