Specialist skills and physical tension
Some performances require performers to use specialist skills to enhance the production.
These include:
- mask work
- mimeActing through body movement without the use of speech.
- physical theatreA mime technique in which actors use their bodies to create props or part of the set.
- dance
- stage combat
- ensemble movementA choreographed movement sequence performed by a group that is abstract in style rather than naturalistic.
Physical tension
Physical tension is how tight or relaxed a performer鈥檚 muscles are. For example, a character with very little physical tension will appear relaxed and calm, whereas an uptight character might show tension through high shoulders and minimal movement. Physical tension can also reflect the level of tension in the play as a whole, helping to build suspense. For example, an incredibly tense moment in a play may render a performer so tense that they are completely motionless.