Stage MovementFundamentals of Theatre I

Body Positions

Stage Movement Vocabulary • Cyclorama – a background curtain hung around the back of the

stage. Also known as the cyc.

• Wing – Areas off to the sides of the stage.

• Proscenium – The opening between the stage and the auditorium.

• Leg – Narrow curtains that do not move to the side of the stage. They help mask sightlines and give entrances and exits.

• Apron – The area of stage in front of the curtain.

• Traveler – Curtain that travels across the stage and cuts off 1/3 of the stage.

Parts of a Stage

Proscenium Arch

Areas of Stage

Areas of the Stage

Curtains

Parts of the Stage1. Proscenium Arch

4. Grand Drape

3. Wing

7. Teaser

5. Apron6. Orchestra Pit

MORRIS SAYS…• I need 10 volunteers to

come to the front of the APRON and stand in the OPEN Position.

• Only move when I say “Mr. Morris says…”

• If you move in the wrong direction or at the wrong cue you are out and will quietly move back to your seat.

Sitting on Stage…• FEEL the REASON you

are sitting.

• The process…▫ APPROACH the chair. ▫ BRUSH the BACK of

LEGS against the FRONT of chair…

▫ sit, without LOOKING at the CHAIR.

Sitting on Stage…• Have SOMETHING TO

DO while SITTING. ▫ (STAGE BUSINESS)

Small action with a Prop

• Avoid NERVOUS HABITS

• Avoid CROSSING YOUR LEGS.

Turning On Stage….• THE STAGE CROSS

• REMEMBER…THE CROSS MUST BE MOTIVATED!!!

• For more attention…speak LINE when MOVING!!!

1. A B

Audience

2. B

AAudience

3. B A

Audience

Gestures On Stage…Rules for Gestures…

• Use you Upstage hand.

• Avoid HANDS on HIPS or in POCKETS.

• All gestures must have a PURPOSE.

• Gesture ABOVE the WAIST.

The Stage Fall…

•Steps to follow:1. Weaken at the

Ankles2. Fall to hip3. Tuck elbow4. Shoulder hit5. Rest head on

floor

Miscellaneous Rules For Movement…

• Kneel on the DOWNSTAGE knee.

• Walking up the steps/stairs…begin with UPSTAGE foot.

• Don’t UPSTAGE another actor. ▫ TO UPSTAGE means:

When an actor takes the attention away from the actor who should have it.

Miscellaneous Rules For Movement…

• Use a VARIETY of MOVEMENT.

• MOVEMENT reflects EMOTION.

• Plan/Rehearse you MOVEMENT.

Remember…MOVEMENT must be

MOTIVATED