Seven Levels of Tension
Exhausted or catatonic. The Jellyfish. Laid back – the “Californian” (soap opera). Neutral or the “Economic” (contemporary dance). Alert or Curious (farce). Suspense or the Reactive (19th century melodrama). Passionate (opera).

What are levels of tension in drama?

The levels of tension provide an effective method for exploring the dynamics of a character, scene or improvisation. This approach can be used to explore changing levels of tension within a scene or between characters and can be applied to all kinds of improvisation and performance.

What does tension level mean?

Tension Leveling is the process of pulling the strip beyond its yield point to permanently change the shape of the strip and make it flat. If you have an edge wave, the concept is to stretch the shorter fibers in the center of the strip so that they will match up in length with the longer fibers from the edge wave.

What is Lecoq technique?

The Lecoq technique is about the performers engagement, listening physically and their connection in the space, working together as an ensemble, devising your own work and finding new ways to do it are essential.

What did Jacques Lecoq teach?

Jacques Lecoq (Born in Paris; 15 December 1921 – 19 January 1999), was a French stage actor and acting movement coach. He was best known for his teaching methods in physical theatre, movement, and mime which he taught at the school he founded in Paris known as École internationale de théâtre Jacques Lecoq.

What is the purpose of the seven levels of tension?

One of the things Lecoq is well known for is his training approach called the Seven Levels of Tension. Lecoq’s Seven Levels of Tension The Seven Levels of Tension aims to help actors transition into different emotions and to connect with and develop their characters (Lecoq and Bradby 89).

What is level 2 on the 7 levels of tension scale?

– Level 2 – Laid back, we call this “The Californian”. You’re on the beach, it’s sunny, you’re chilled out and relaxed. Say hi to each other in this state – How do you walk around to convey “The Californian”?

How many types of tension are there?

The four types of dramatic tension and how to employ them.

Is a state of tension?

the state of being stretched or strained. mental or emotional strain; intense, suppressed suspense, anxiety, or excitement. a strained relationship between individuals, groups, nations, etc.

How do you build tension in performance?

tension can occur when performers raise their voice > shouting. the opposite is also true, as tension can also occur with stillness and silence in the drama. tension can be created by the unknown. tension can be created simply by the audience following where characters look on (or off) stage.

What is a larval mask?

The Larval Masks are introduced to the theatrical universe by Jacques Lecoq. They are huge, white and have various shapes. When placed on the face, sends the human figure to a delicate and subtle universe. The body becomes a larva and can transform itself into man or animal.

What is the neutral mask?

The Neutral Mask is a fundamental experience in the journey of Movement Based Theatre. It’s a mask that doesn’t have any dramatic expression. The Neutral Mask gives the actor the awareness of these “dramas” that are present in her/his body and that tend to become a form of character or style.

What is Michael Chekhov technique?

Michael Chekhov developed an acting technique, a ‘psycho-physical approach’, in which transformation, working with impulse, imagination and inner and outer gesture are central. According to Chekhov, the work of the actor is to create an inner event which is an actual experience occurring in real time within the actor.

Who is Jacques Lecoq Simon McBurney?

Simon McBurney writes: Jacques Lecoq was a man of vision. He had the ability to see well. This vision was both radical and practical. As a young physiotherapist after the second world war, he saw how a man with paralysis could organise his body in order to walk, and taught him to do so.

Why did Jacques Lecoq use masks?

Lecoq saw the mask as a tool to distance the actor from a false naturalism, allowing them to explore the grotesque or the real. The core was that the performer was to remain conscious of their very nature that they were performing.

Who created 7 levels of tension?

Jacques Lecoq developed an approach to acting using seven levels of tension. These changed and developed during his practice and have been further developed by other practitioners.

What is Jacques Lecoq’s approach to performance?

One of the great techniques for actors, Jacques Lecoq’s method focuses on physicality and movement. Lecoq himself believed in the importance of freedom and creativity from his students, giving an actor the confidence to creatively express themselves, rather than being bogged down by stringent rules.

What is Proxemics in drama?

Proxemics is the use of space/distance between characters on stage. This can represent the relationship between characters.