ACTING         

SKILLS         

(TECHNIQUES)    

TIMING

ability "to move and speak in precise manner at right moment for particular impact; pacing of action

RHYTHM

ability to understand and utilise the rhythmic expression of the play - dictated by script, director, other actors, type of play

STYLE

ability to absorb and produce particular way of presentation; unified form of any play dictated by director's vision, company agreement; conventions of particular type of play, particular period of theatre

PACE

ability to regulate speed of delivery and speed of action - dictated by dramatic potential

ATMOSPHERE

ability to create atmosphere - self-belief so that audience believe (Stanislavski - if, imagination

INTERACTION

communication with, and reaction to other actors; identification with relationships within roles with other characters

CHARACTERISATION

ability to create a believable character within a role - through analysis, understanding, discussion, improvisation, belief, faith, living the part (Stanislavski - action, imagination, faith and a sense of truth, emotion memory; threshold of subconscious)

EMOTIONAL IMPACT

ability to feel right emotions within the role, and communicate them to audience (Stanislavki - fundamental of system)

FOCUS

ability to hold attention of actors and audience, and to direct attention of audience to specific persons or areas of stage (Stanislavski - circles of attention)

SUSTAIN

ability to sustain a role through an entire play; to sustain momentum, mood, atmosphere, pace as required.

GENEROSITY

ability to offer something to play off to others; ability to allow focus to be with other actors

STILLNESS

ability  to  show thoughts  and  emotions without movement (Stanislavski – dramatic inaction)

SPATIAL AWARENESS

ability to create space around self and other actors; positioning - in relation to each other/to audience; physical movement on stage; utilisation of props or set

BREATH CONTROL

ability  to  control  breath  for  vocal projection; for physical control of energy and use of voice

STAMINA

ability "to maintain energy, sustain role or momentum

STRENGTH

ability to maintain stamina, fitness for physical and vocal control; for emotional control - carrying it through (emotional tension/sensation is physically draining)

RELAXATION

ability to use voice and body without damage; to allow emotions to come through within character .at points of high tension (Stanislavski  - relaxation of muscles;

threshold of subconscious [section 2]

CONTROL

ability to have power over voice, body; relaxation and suppleness of body; over scene; over audience response (Stanislavski - communion, adaptation)

COMMUNICATION

ability to be in communication with other actors;  with  audience  (Stanislavski communion, adaptation)

PHYSICAL

flexibility - characterisation;  use of positions; type of walk, limp, injury; how to hold body

versatility - able to adapt postures to different characterisations; move body in variety of ways

adaptability - adjust -for character, to other actors,  to audience,  to set,  to stage (differs in different theatres)

agility - body easily able to adopt any required posture