Acting Techniques
What is the Stanislavski System focused on?
Creating truthful, believable performances by understanding a character’s motivations, objectives, and emotions.
What is a cue in theatre?
A signal for an actor, technician, or stage crew to do something (like enter, speak, or change lights).
What is a motivation in acting?
The reason why a character behaves or speaks a certain way.
What is ensemble work?
When a group of actors work together as a unified team rather than focusing on individual performance.
What is a director responsible for?
Interpreting the script and guiding the overall vision of the production.
What does it mean to “break the fourth wall”?
When an actor speaks directly to the audience, acknowledging their presence.
What is a cold read?
Reading a script aloud for the first time without prior rehearsal or preparation.
What does it mean to “play a beat” in a scene?
To act through a small unit of action or emotional shift within a scene.
What is tempo in acting?
The speed or rhythm of a scene or line delivery.
What is a set designer responsible for?
Creating the physical environment and visual setting for the play.
What is emotional recall?
Using personal memories and emotions to connect to a character’s feelings.
What is the upstage area of the stage?
The part farthest from the audience.
What is a relationship in scene work?
The emotional and social connection between characters.
What is the difference between indicating and authentic acting?
Indicating is showing emotion superficially; authentic acting is truly feeling and living the moment.
What is the purpose of a tech rehearsal?
To integrate lighting, sound, set changes, and other technical elements with performance.
What does “given circumstances” refer to?
The specific details of the character’s world (time, place, situation, relationships) that influence their behavior.
What does it mean when a director says “cheat out”?
Turn your body slightly toward the audience while still interacting naturally with other actors.
What is status play?
Exploring power dynamics and social hierarchy between characters through behavior and choices.
What is a gesture?
A physical movement that expresses emotion, intention, or meaning.
What is the difference between a dress rehearsal and a preview performance?
A dress rehearsal is a full run-through before an audience sees it; a preview is a performance shown to an audience before official opening.
What is improvisation?
Creating dialogue and action spontaneously without a script.
What is a table read?
A cast read-through of the script around a table, usually done early in rehearsals.
What is a tactic in acting?
A specific action a character uses to achieve their objective.
Why is listening just as important as speaking in acting?
Because authentic reactions and connections come from truly hearing and responding to other characters.
What is a dramaturg?
A theatre professional who researches, advises on historical/contextual accuracy, and helps develop the script and production.