Conflict
How does a theater-maker define conflict?
What are an actor's OBJECTIVE & TACTICS?
OJBECTIVES = what your character wants from the other character on stage
TACTIC = what your character does to get what they want
Who is Stanislavski and why is he important in acting?
-Father of modern acting
-He developed the idea that actors should know their characters inside and out, to create an authentic and realistic performance
In the play "Everybody," a character is met by different parts of himself that try to teach him how to be a better person. What type of conflict is this?
Character vs. Self
How does an actor phrase their OBJECTIVE and their TACTICS
OBJECTIVE = "I want you to _________"
TACTIC = simple verbs such as "compell" "banish" "punish" "plead"
What major acting techniques did Stanislavski develop?
Objectives/Tactics and Given Circumstances
Why is conflict important in a story or play? Give at least 2 reasons
Possible answers:
- it moves the plot forward
-it creates character development
-it raises the stakes/creates investment for the audience
Why are Objectives/Tactics important to Stanislavski's idea of realistic/authentic performance?
They are important because they give an actor a purpose on stage, meaning they have to focus on their scene partner in order to get what they want. This creates a stronger relationship, and allows them to authentically feel an emotion (when they do or don't get what they want) rather than PRETEND to feel something.
What are Given Circumstances, and list at least 3 elements that make up a character's given circumstances
-their relationships
-their desires/motivations
-their backstory
-their fears and beliefs
-their environment
etc.
What is the purpose of the conflict arc in a story? And what are the 5 elements of the arc (in the correct order)
The conflict arc is the map for how conflict plays out to create a satisfying story for the audience.
Exposition, spark, escalation, climax, resolution
Read the scene below, then create an OBJECTIVE for each character
(Jeremy runs into the room. Angela is standing over a body).
Jeremy: Angela... what is going on?
Angela: Jeremy, please --
Jeremy: What did you do?!
Angela: It wasn't... It isn't...
Jeremy: We've got to call an ambulance! What are you doing just standing there? We need to move!
Angela: No, Jeremy please, don't. Just wait a second I need to think
Jeremy: I can't believe this, I can't believe you... what happened?!
Angela: Can I trust you?
Jeremy: I... I... I don't know yet.
Possible Answer:
Jeremy: I need you to come clean
Angela: I need you to listen to me
Create the given circumstances for Scar in the Lion King. How do these given circumstances influence his behavior in the story?
Example response:
-His brother bullied him when they were growing up for being small and having a scar, which made him hate his brother and want revenge
-He was always second best to his brother, which created a lot of jealousy for him
-He created the belief that he was better than everyone else, if he could only just prove himself, which pushed him to want to take the throne and show the kingdom that he would be a better ruler than his brother
-He is really insecure and fears rejection -- this meant he surrounded himself by hyenas who he could bully into submission and pretend were his loyal friends
Create an example of a story that has character vs. society conflict
Read the scene below, then create a list of at least 3 TACTICS for each character
(Jeremy runs into the room. Angela is standing over a body).
Jeremy: Angela... what is going on?
Angela: Jeremy, please --
Jeremy: What did you do?!
Angela: It wasn't... It isn't...
Jeremy: We've got to call an ambulance! What are you doing just standing there? We need to move!
Angela: No, Jeremy please, don't. Just wait a second I need to think
Jeremy: I can't believe this, I can't believe you... what happened?!
Angela: Can I trust you?
Jeremy: I... I... I don't know yet.
Jeremy: demand, coax, plead, question, force, calm,
Angela: plead, explain, calm, slow, shut down, trust,
(Examples)
Why are given circumstances an important part of the Stanislavski system? How do they help an actor create a more authentic performance?
Given circumstances allow an actor to understand their character and better RELATE to their character. This helps them understand how/why a character would behave, and helps create a complex human experience on stage.