Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Physical Theatre
All live theatre is physical in some way but theatre which accentuates
image and the physicality of the performer can create a vibrant and exciting style.
The ability to create a sense of place and action without the necessity of settings, props and costume
promotes a form where the actor is the centre of all stage effects. Physical Theatre is the craft of building
theatre through physical actions, characterization and stage composition. Physical Theatre uses as its primary
means of expression movement, dynamic immobility, gesture and a variety of acting techniques. Text, music,
costumes, and scenery are included in layers selectively. The context in which all of these elements are
blended is determined by the message the performers wish to communicate. The best performances tend to
affect their audience viscerally and proceed from instinctive rather than intellectual motivation. Physical
theatre tries to challenge both, the traditional, proscenium arch, and the traditional performer/audience
relationship by breaking the fourth wall.
TASK:
In groups of four or more players you need to create a scene in which you will try to involve your
whole bodies head to toe
You must create a sense of place and action without using sets, props and costumes. Actors should
use their bodies to create the props, set and the reality of the scene.
You must use physicality and stylization to create an interesting dramatic performance.
Use the movement of your bodies to create meaning.
To create a visually powerful scene you may have to rely upon the power of symbolism to achieve a
dramatic effect.
Try to challenge the performer/audience relationship by breaking the fourth wall in some way.
You need to agree upon Where, Who and What! Determine the conflict and Story.
Your scene should be approximately 5 minutes in length
Staging Principles
(levels, triangles,
Demonstrates thorough
knowledge of principles of
physical theatre and the
discipline
Demonstrates thorough
knowledge of staging
principles
Level 3
70 79%
Level 2
60-69%
Level 1
50-59%
Demonstrates good
Demonstrates some knowledge Demonstrates limited
knowledge of principles, of of principles of physical
knowledge of principles of
physical theatre and the
theatre and the discipline
physical theatre and the
discipline
discipline
Demonstrates some knowledge
Demonstrates good
of staging principles
Demonstrates limited
knowledge of staging
knowledge of staging
principles
principles
Level
R
variety of positions)
A1.2
Thinking
Rehearsal/group
skills
A3.2
Devised Storyline
A1.1
Student contributes
occasionally to rehearsals;
Some experimenting and/or
somewhat effective group
work
Communication
Application
Actor Focus A2.1
Physical Acting
Techniques
A1.2
A2.2
Vocal Techniques
Theatre/audience
etiquette
C3.3
Thorough
Good understanding of
understanding of
theatre & audience
Some understanding of Limited understanding
theatre & audience
etiquette
theatre & audience
etiquette, in classroom
etiquette
and performance
contexts.
Rubric Questions: (Please answer all questions in full sentences. Please be detailed,
analytical and self-reflective about your process)
1. What role did you play when planning your group presentation? How could you improve your
effectiveness in this role?
2.
Identify and assess the contribution of your other group members in this project. Discuss leadership
and supporting roles, group dynamics, and cooperative problem solving during the process of creating
your performance.
3.
How were staging, blocking, text, music and costumes used to help enhance the physical aspects of
your performance? How did they help communicate information about the setting, characters and
action?
4.
What acting or personal skills did you learn/acquire working through this assignment?
5.
What specific things did you do in your performance to show your understanding of the techniques,
skills and principles of physical theatre? Discuss physical, vocal, acting, and ensemble skills and
techniques (ie. physical control; balance; breathing; taking and placing weight; use of levels and height; stamina; projection; vocal
range; creating and physicalizing sound; use of vocal dynamics; rhythm; dynamics; interaction; spontaneity; spatial awareness; timing;
use of contact improvisation; speed; flow; direction; use of contrasts)