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Position:Home>Theater & Acting> Resources on Staging Theatre in the Round?Question: Resources on Staging Theatre in the Round!? I'm considering staging my first arena/in-the-round show and, surprisingly, can't find any resources on how to do this!.
I'm looking specifically for exercises I might use with my cast to help them get accustomed to thinking 3-D and any hints for me as I plan my blocking!. Any books, websites, etc!. you can suggest!? Thanks!Www@QuestionHome@Com Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: One thing my company found for blocking is that moving on diagonals made it easier to see/be seen!. We developed an exercise where we improvised scenes, and every 15 or 30 seconds, we'd ring a bell, and one or more characters had to move (diagonally)--and then justify why!. It gradually morphed into having someone shout "I'm tired of looking at your butt!" if an actor stayed too long in one position!. I really love the dynamics of having to move; it keeps things alive!. Here's a forum where they discuss titr: http://www!.communitytheater!.org/forum/fo!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com wow that is lots of fun, first of all I would suggest you hold you rehearsal in the center of the room rather than against the wall like a normal proscenium setting, secondly, as you plan you staging same as proscenium, watch for sight lines, remember inevitable some one is going to have their back facing someone, get over that fear!. Next do not keep your actors in one position for too long but you also have to not have them in constant motion, best thing is to use motion where it is required, do not use an unnecessary amount (big mistake) and block the show quick enough (i like to block people within the first week so the rest of the time you have for fine tuning) that way you have enough time to watch the show from all angles and correct any blocked sight-lines!. I would recommend you see some theatre in the round before you attempt it, or if you have a local mentor or theatre professor I would recommend meeting with them to discuss staging!.Www@QuestionHome@Com When my theatre went to arena in the late 1970's!. I found a little Arena Theatre Handbook!. It even had info on setting up an arena and how to light it!. Try bookfinder!.com and see if it is out there!. It is my favorite way of staging a play!. If your arena is well designed you can put scenery in the corners evem though they my be used for audience entrances, and the close proximity of the audience allows for a more natural acting style!. Funiture goes along the sides or in a corner and the center is almost always left open!. Unless there is a special piece to put there, Like we had a round pouffe for Importance of Being Earnest in the center of the playing space and a revolving teeter totter there for Godspell!. Exercises are not needed!. Blocking is always motivated by the lines as the director translates them back to the action they represent!. Actors who are not speaking, are seated or are standing in the corners!. I much prefer a square arena with equal sides than any other shape!. Feel free to contact me with any questions about stageing!.Www@QuestionHome@Com |