Developmental Activities

In order to aid each individual with basic elements of acting alongside deepening our understanding of panto, we have a session once a week with Olga. These sessions provide information on various aspects of acting, for example: showreels, stagecraft, audition process work, characterisation and also delving into what each person wants to do.

We began our panto exploration with the 7 levels of tension and establishing what they were and why they are used. This is a method used by both actors and directors (in a directive sense) to establish a physical adaptation of characterisation as well as make a clear distinction between naturalism and abstract work. The levels are:
1) Catatonic - this is to be completed at a lethargic state, with lifeless limbs and no movements.
2) Relaxation - this is done in a slightly more awakened state, minimal movements may occur.
3) Neutral - this can be done by moving around the space in a nonchalant manner.
4) Alert - this is performed with more urgency and at a faster pace.
5) Suspense - this is fulfilled by incorporating level 6 with a hint of melodrama.
6) Passionate - this is executed with a greater pace, over-the-top movements and extended movements and vocal range.
7) Tragic - this the utmost, melodramatic level where every fibre of amplified, both physical and vocal.

Trying these levels ourselves we started on the floor in the first stage and progressed through each one. The transition from level 2 to 3 proved the hardest as my body was completely lethargic and weighted, moving my arms and legs felt as though I was stuck in treacle and moving in slow motion. Distinction between levels 6 and 7 also proved difficult as I was already close to my full extent of excitement, however, after doing this a few times it seemed easier to get to grips with.

We repeatedly worked through these levels to engage familiarity as well as incorporating our characters within the panto. Using the different levels, we were put in challenging situations and asked to improvise scenes. Being put in different circumstances demanded high concentration levels as all responses had to be in character e.g. I was put in a situation where my tension level was 7 and Jack's level was only at 2 and we were placed in a supermarket. Personally, I struggle with improvisation as I feel I'm unable to think of engaging material quick enough however, playing such an over exaggerated character helped greatly as it gave me enough time to process what was said and how to respond all whilst extended my movements. This involved loose arms, walking with an amplified bounce and keeping my facial expressions big and sharp; as the exercise continued I gained confidence and tried different things.