Core Knowledge
What is articulation?
The formation of clear and distinct sounds in speech.
Why is articulation important for actors?
It ensures the audience understands speech clearly.
An actor is mumbling and unclear. What skill do they need to improve?
Articulation
How does articulation affect audience understanding?
Clear speech ensures the message is understood.
Who was Kostantin Stanislavski?
A pioneer of modern acting.
What is an objective?
What a character wants.
What is a tragic hero?
A noble character brought down by a flaw.
An actor asks, “What would I do?” What technique is this?
Magic If
How does Stanislavski’s system improve acting?
It creates believable, realistic characters.
What is a tongue twister?
A sequence of words difficult to pronounce quickly and correctly.
Why is the diaphragm important for speaking?
It provides breath control and vocal support.
A line sounds flat and emotionless. What is missing?
Inflection
How does breath control impact performance?
It improves projection, clarity, and endurance.
Explain how changing emphasis in a sentence alters meaning.
Different stressed words change interpretation and intent.
What is Stanislavski’s system?
A method focused on realistic acting.
What is a tactic?
The strategy used to achieve an objective.
What is peripeteia?
A reversal of fortune.
An actor identifies facts about the setting and relationships. What are they using?
Given circumstances
How do objectives and tactics work together?
Objectives define goals; tactics achieve them.
What is the larynx?
The voice box that protects the vocal cords.
Why is inflection important in speech?
It changes meaning and emotion.
A speaker doesn’t connect with the audience. What should they improve?
Engagement and audience awareness
How do tongue twisters improve performance?
They build precision and control of speech muscles.
Why is practicing delivery better than memorizing?
It leads to natural, engaging performance.
What is the “Magic If”?
Asking “What would I do in this situation?”
What is a beat?
A shift in tactic or moment.
What is anagnorisis?
A moment of realization.
A performance feels fake. What is missing?
Realistic inner work
Why is subtext important?
It reveals deeper meaning beyond dialogue.
What are vocal cords (folds)?
Structures that produce sound through vibration.
Why is delivery important in presentations?
It affects engagement and clarity.
A speaker runs out of breath mid-sentence. What are they lacking?
Breath support
How does non-verbal communication support speaking?
It reinforces meaning through body language.
Compare articulation and projection.
Articulation = clarity; projection = volume and strength.
What is subtext?
The meaning beneath the spoken words.
Why are tactics important?
They create active performance.
What is nemesis?
Inevitable fate or punishment.
A character’s pride leads to downfall. What is this?
Hubris
How does a tragic flaw drive a story?
It leads to the character’s downfall.
What is the pharynx?
The throat that helps prepare air for the lungs.
Why is knowing your audience important?
It helps tailor your message effectively.
A performer uses lips and tongue to shape sounds clearly. What are they using?
Articulators
How does theatre training improve public speaking?
It builds confidence, clarity, and engagement.
How does vocal anatomy impact performance?
It controls sound production, breath, and clarity.
Why did Stanislavski develop his system?
To create more realistic acting.
What happens if an actor uses only one tactic?
The performance becomes flat.
What is catharsis?
Emotional release felt by the audience.
A character realizes the truth too late. What is this?
Anagnorisis
Why must actors change tactics?
To keep performance dynamic and realistic.