Actors Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the two types of acting?

Realism and Naturalism

Tragedy and Comedy

Classical and Method Acting (correct)

Physical and Vocal Acting

What does classical acting mainly focus on?

External elements of acting, how the actor walks, talks, behaves, and mimics the actions of his imagined character.

What are the physical demands of classical acting?

Stress formal movements, stylized gesture, and addressing the audience vs their scene partner.

What are the vocal demands of classical acting?

More demanding rhythms, articulation and projection needed, extended breath support. Signup and view all the answers

What does method acting mainly focus on?

Internal elements of acting, not imitating their behavior, but the acting came from inside. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the three playwrights who perfected Realism?

Henrik Ibsen, August Strindberg, Anton Chekhov. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Stanislavsky System?

Created by Konstantin Stanislavsky. Performer must believe wholeheartedly and completely in the character and what the character is doing. Signup and view all the answers

What are some elements of the Stanislavsky System?

Actor must create a circle of attention, find the character's inner truth, explore the what, why, and how, find the Through Line of the Role. Signup and view all the answers

What was Chekhov's method?

Best known for psychological gesture - notion that a character can be projected by the creation of notable, telling gestures that sum up their inner feelings and emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What was Lee Strasberg's work?

Focused on the inner emotional side of Stanislavsky's work and neglected physical action. He emphasized Emotional Recall. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Acting

Two primary styles: Classical Acting and Method Acting.

Classical Acting

Focuses on external elements: the actor's physicality, mannerisms, speech patterns, and how actions are performed.
Physical demands include:
- Formal movements and stylized gestures.
- Emphasis on addressing the audience rather than scene partners.
Vocal demands require:
- Complex rhythms, clear articulation, and strong projection.
- Extended breath support to maintain vocal strength.

Method Acting

Centers on internal elements of performance: drawing from personal experiences rather than imitation.

Realism in Theatre

Three key playwrights who advanced the Realism movement:
- Henrik Ibsen
- August Strindberg
- Anton Chekhov

Stanislavsky System

Developed by Konstantin Stanislavsky.
Actors must fully embrace their characters and the character's motivations.
Key components include:
- Creating a "circle of attention" to build confidence and relaxation on stage.
- Discovering the character's inner truth to explore thoughts and emotions.
- Investigating the "what, why, and how" of the character's actions.
- Identifying the Through Line of the Role, defining the character's super-objective.

Chekhov's Method

Introduces the concept of psychological gesture:
- Characters can be represented through significant gestures that reflect their inner emotions and thoughts.

Lee Strasberg's Approach

Built on Stanislavsky's ideas, emphasizing the emotional aspects of acting while downplaying physical actions.
Introduced Emotional Recall, encouraging actors to draw from personal emotional experiences to enhance their performances.

Description

Test your knowledge on the types of acting with these flashcards. This quiz focuses on the distinctions between Classical and Method Acting, as well as the specific elements that define Classical Acting. Perfect for drama students or acting enthusiasts!