The Actor’s Toolbox: the Body

1. The Actor’s Toolbox:the Body

2. Nonverbal Communication • The general term for expressing ideas and emotions without using words

3. Relaxation • A combination of inner composure, mental awareness, and physical flexibility; the act of “letting go all over”

4. Gesture • Hand and arm movements and facial expressions that help express an idea or an emotion

5. “click”” • The setting up of an action with definite hand gestures; such as the snap of a mime’s hand around a glass

6. Cross • To move from one place on stage to another

7. Inclination • The bending of the body to the front, the side, or the rear

8. Rotation • The turning or pivoting of a part of the body

9. Isolation • The separation of parts of the body for individual development and expression

10. Pantomime • Acting without words. Imitating real-life actions.

11. Mime • An offspring of pantomime that conveys abstract ideas. Not confined to real-life imitation.

12. Nonverbal Communication • Chest is key to bodily action • Wrists lead most hand gestures • Move elbows away from body when making gestures • Except on specific occasions, avoid gestures above head or below waist • Opposite action emphasizes movement

13. Nonverbal communication • Arms and hands should move in curves. Straight lines can be used to suggest awkwardness or uneasiness.

14. Nonverbal Communication • + emotions emphasized by raised chest and head, free movement, broad gestures, and animated facial expressions • - emotions emphasized by contracted body, sunken chest, tense movement, and drawn features

15. Nonverbal Communication • Facial expressions usually precede other physical action • Whenever possible, use upstage arm • Some exaggeration is required • Always keep the audience in mind • All actions must be definite in concept and execution, and all movement must be clearly motivated.

16. Pantomime vs. Mime • Action conveys theme • Body may become object • Nonverbal sounds can be used • Not limited to the real world • Main goal is expression of a theme • Action conveys only action • Imaginary objects • No sounds used • Based on reality • Exact recreation of a specific act