SELF EXPRESSION
This acting warm-up asks you to quickly show a single clear emotion (e.g., joy, fear) with your face and body for 5 seconds. Name the exercise
EMOTION FREEZE/WALK
True or False: Raising your chin and standing tall is an example of a physical trait choice that can communicate confidence to an audience.
True.
Define role playing in Theatre. Give one simple example of a classroom role-play activity.
Role playing is acting as a character to explore a situation or practice behaviors. Example: Students act out a job interview where one is the interviewer and one is the applicant.
What does "improv" mean? Name one rule of improv actors often use. (Short answer)
unscripted acting. Rule example: accept offers, listen, support partners.
Name one difference between method acting (focuses on the actor’s internal emotions) and a more presentational style (focuses on external gestures and showing to the audience).
Example difference — Method: internal emotional memory; Presentational: externalized gesture and addressing audience.
When performing a short improvisation with a partner, what two skills help you accept your partner's ideas and build on them to keep the scene moving? (two-word phrase + one-word)
"Yes, and" and "listening."
Define "character trait" in one sentence as used in theatre.
A character trait is a consistent behavior or quality (physical or emotional) that helps define who a character is and informs how they act in a scene.
When you take on a role in a scene, what are two things you should decide about your character before you start? (Name two: e.g., age, goal, emotion)
age; background or where they’re from; main goal/objective in the scene; current emotion/mood; relationship to other characters; physical traits (e.g., walks with a limp).
In an improvisation, what is the "Yes, and..." rule? Give a one-sentence example of how it can move a scene forward. (Define and example)
Yes, and..." means accept what partner offers and add information. Example: Partner says, "We're lost at sea." Response: "Yes, and the map blew away—quick, grab the compass!"
Which acting style emphasizes using physical actions and clear vocal projection for an audience rather than a naturalistic inner life?
Presentational acting (or classical/stylized acting).
You must present a 60‑second monologue showing a character who just received surprising news. List two physical choices and two vocal choices that help show surprise.
Physical choices: widen eyes, step back, freeze, raise shoulders. Vocal choices: inhale sharply, raise pitch, quickened speech, louder volume.
You are assigned a role who is elderly and kind. Name two physical traits and two emotional traits appropriate to that role, and one simple costume/item that supports the characterization
Physical: slow gait, slightly stooped posture. Emotional: gentle tone, patient reactions. Costume/item: cardigan or walking cane.
You are given a one-minute scene where your character is trying to convince a friend to try a new hobby. List three interpersonal skills you should use while performing to make the scene believable.
active listening (react to partner’s lines); eye contact or appropriate focus; clear voice and projection; believable reactions (respond truthfully to offers); empathy/respect for partner’s choices; using body language to show feelings.
When creating a short scripted scene from personal experience, what are two benefits of using real details? (Name two benefits)
Benefits: adds authenticity, provides clear sensory detail, helps actors connect emotionally.
Describe one similarity between improvisational performance and scripted ensemble scenes.
Similarity — Both require listening, reacting to partners, and ensemble awareness; both communicate story through action.
Describe a short classroom activity that helps students express a range of emotions in groups while also practicing respectful citizenship (benchmark link: foundation skill 5)
Activity: "Emotion Circle" — students stand in a circle; leader names an emotion and a situation, small groups create a 30‑second tableau or movement phrase showing that emotion, then groups rotate and give constructive, respectful feedback.
Explain how you would use status (high vs. low) physically and vocally to show a character who feels socially inferior in a group scene. Give two specific physical and two vocal examples.
Physical: avoid eye contact, make yourself smaller (hunched shoulders), step back when others approach. Vocal: softer volume, speak with rising intonation or trailing off, shorter sentences, slower response time.
Explain the difference between playing a role "in the moment" and "acting for the audience." Give one example of each appropriate for a small classroom performance.
"In the moment" = reacting honestly as the character; "acting for the audience" = projecting and framing actions so audience can see/understand. Example: whispering in an intimate scene (in the moment) vs. projecting lines in a small classroom to be heard (acting for the audience).
You are given the first line of a scripted scene: "I thought you said you'd meet me at the art room." Write two possible directions the next line could take (one conflict, one friendly). (Provide two short lines)
Conflict line example: "Then why weren't you at the show?" Friendly line: "Oh good—I've got snacks for us!"
Explain how historical acting styles (like commedia dell'arte) and contemporary realistic acting differ in costume and movement choices.
Historical styles use stylized movement, masks, and exaggerated costumes; contemporary realism uses natural movement and period-accurate but subtle costuming.
Analyze: In a scripted scene, a character acts nervously but their lines read as confident. What are three specific acting adjustments (physical, vocal, and one inner technique) to make the nervousness believable?
Physical: fidgeting hands, shifting weight, avoiding eye contact. Vocal: uneven pacing, slight breathiness, hesitant starts. Inner technique: use objective and obstacle (character motivation + imagined stakes) to ground nervous choices.
Performance critique: Watch a 2‑minute group scene and write a focused 3‑sentence critique about how effectively the actors demonstrated physical and emotional traits appropriate to their roles, citing one specific moment as evidence and one actionable suggestion for improvement.
"The actors mostly sustained clear emotional commitments, especially when Maya's trembling hands matched her fearful dialogue at 1:10. However, the antagonist's physical choices were inconsistent—he alternated between aggressive strides and neutral stillness. Suggestion: decide on a dominant physical habit (e.g., pacing) and use it intentionally to reinforce the character's emotional state."
You are assigned a role that is very different from your own personality. Describe a three-step process you would use to prepare so your portrayal is respectful and believable.
Research and define character , practice physicality and voice, get feedback and rehearsal.
Write a brief outline (3–5 bullet points) for a two-minute scripted scene inspired by a historical event (choose any historical event). Include a clear character goal and one conflict that must be resolved in the scene. (Outline)
Example outline (Boston Tea Party inspiration): 1) Setting: harbor at night. 2) Characters: townspeople with secret plan (goal: protest taxation). 3) Conflict: a sympathetic guard approaches (must avoid detection). 4) Rising action: townspeople argue about plan. 5) Resolution: they decide to proceed, tension remains. Character goal: successfully send a message; conflict: risk of being caught.
Given a short scene, identify two distinct performance methods you could use (one internal/psychological and one external/physical) and explain how each choice would change the audience’s experience.
Example answers — Method (Stanislavski-based) would create inward focus, subtle gestures; Physical (Meisner, clowning, or physical theatre) would emphasize visible choices, broad actions, and clearer external storytelling.