Why is gestures important in drama

Consider using these images in connection with…. Julian Meyrick, Flinders University This is a long-read essay, the fourth in a series on playwriting and drama by Julian Meyrick.

Read Part one here, Part two here, and Part three here. Telling the story…. A few days back, I posted a review of the current Australian production revival of Chicago. Many readers of The Drama Teacher may not be aware I have a public Instagram account that is purely a collection of images about theatre and drama education.

At the beginning of this year I…. One of the more confusing aspects of theatre history and performance styles for teachers and students is the differences between realism and naturalism. Rest is voice tone 38 percent and words 7 percent. In my short career as an actor, I have learned one thing and that is our body shows what we think and feel. No matter how much you try to hide your feelings if you are feeling it, then your body is showing it.

Thus, the importance of body language in action becomes even greater. If you master body language, it could be the most effective tool in your armory as an actor.

The big reason being, the body language you currently possess is the result of years and years of conditioning. Your surroundings, relationships, and events have shaped your current body language. What I mean by bad things is what negative signs your body shows. These negative signs are generally a turnoff for casting agents. This all signs are a big hindrance to your performance.

They do not allow you to be seen. If your audience is not able to see your feelings how do you expect them to like it? Try doing a scene or dialogue with hands crossed. And either do it in front of a mirror or shoot it.

Then do the same scene with open hands. You will immediately notice there is a big difference between the two scenes. Yes, for characters you might use different physicality but these signs are involuntary. If you do use mime in a piece of theatre, ensure that you practise making your movements precise so that the audience can clearly see what it is you are doing. Mime making a cup of tea. Think of every stage you would go through, from picking up and filling the kettle, through adding milk and stirring the tea to finally drinking it.

Really pay attention to detail and be as precise in your movements as possible. Write down the steps you took to make the cup of tea.