OCR GCSE Drama

18 A Work with a partner to choose a section from the play you are studying in which a character enters a space (this might be a room or simply an area of the stage). Take turns to experiment with how the character enters by trying different uses of: • Movement , for example quick or slow; graceful or awkward • Gestures , such as arms at sides or waving or pointing • Facial expressions , perhaps smiling or anxious • Posture , for example upright or hunched over. B Discuss with your partner your impressions of each entrance. What did you learn about the character? How was this conveyed? C Now talk about where the character has been before they entered the space and why they have now entered. Consider: • Are they looking for someone? • Are they escaping from somewhere or someone? • Do they want to be there? • Are they familiar with the space? • What are they hoping will happen? • Are they in a hurry, or do they have all the time in the world? • Are they alone, or are they with someone? • What other factors influence how they enter? TASK 2.2 Once you have agreed the character’s motivations, experiment again with the entrance, making sure your posture, movements, gestures and expressions reflect your character’s motivations. D Make notes of the physical choices you have decided on for that entrance in the play. Write three sentences or so, explaining why you made those choices. E Next, locate a moment in the play that you believe to be the play’s climax , when the action is at its most tense. Create a still image with your partner that shows one of the character’s physical reactions to this important moment. What emotion is your character feeling and how can this be shown through expression, physical position and posture? F Sketch the position you have chosen for your character and write a few sentences explaining how this use of physical skills is helpful to the audience at the climax of the play. John Malkovich and Dustin Hoffman in Death of a Salesman . Climax: The most intense moment in the play, often shortly before the resolution. KEY TERM: Acting choices: vocal skills An actor’s voice is one of their most essential tools. With their voice, an actor can suggest a character’s background, emotional state and intentions. Examples of vocal skills include: • Volume: How loudly or softly a line is said • Pitch: How high or low the vocal register is or if it suddenly changes • Timing/Pace: How quickly or slowly a line is said or if there are particular pauses or changes in rhythm or tempo • Intonation: The tone of voice, such as tender or harsh, or the emphasis or colouring of certain words 2 COMPONENT 4: DRAMA: PERFORMANCE AND RESPONSE: SET TEXTS