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Playing a Part Videos

The Creative Team

Writers, directors, designers and actors: what they do and how they do it! From the glimmer of an idea through to a finished script: the process of creating a living world of characters and drama - this process is in the hands of 'the team'. The success of the final production depends not only on everyone having the same vision, but bringing their particular skills and imagination to a creative collaboration - the play or the film. We examine the roles of company members and talk to them about how they communicate their ideas.

(27 mins) - Year of Production 1994

From Page to Stage

It starts with the play or film script. If it has the three C's - Concept, Characters and Conflict, then all it takes is some talented actors and an imaginative director to bring the story to life. But everyone involved needs to share the same 'vision'. How does t his happen? We talk to directors about how they break down the script to find the rhythm and structure of the story. We also talk to actors about how they chart the 'emotional journey' of their character within the production. Playwrights and screenwriters communicate their 'vision'.

(28 mins) - Year of Production 1994

The Actors Technique

Breath, voice, body and character - the actor's instruments. There are many 'methods' or techniques taught in contemporary drama schools that help the actor/performer 'express' their character in the most dynamic and versatile way. It is essential for today's actors to not only be fit- they may be required to swing from a trapeze or hold a frozen position for minutes - but to also be what is known as a 'triple threat': that is, to sing, dance and act. In this program we talk to singer/actors, dancer/singers, and actor/dancers about their breathing, voice and movement techniques. Methods introduced include Stanislavsky (psychology of character), Suzuki (spatial awareness and movement), Laban (voice and body characterisation), Strassberg (American method).

(31 mins) - Year of Production 1994

The Audition

The 'match-makers' of the industry, agents and casting directors, discuss their role in finding the right actors for the job. Directors talk about what they ask for and look for in an audition and how they like to cast. Actors discuss nerves and how you can use them, preparation, learning monologues and the script. They include anecdotes of their best and worst auditions. We discuss Shakespeare vs modern drama, film vs theatre and company Vs role auditions.

(31 mins) - Year of Production 1994

The Rehearsal Process

The rehearsal process is when the play comes alive. It's the most exciting time for the actors as they research, improvise and experiment with their characters. It's also the time for the director to shape the rhythm, structure and blocking of the play. This program will go step by step through the rehearsal schedule. From play readings, 'blocking', run through and adjustments, to 'tech week'-when actors work on the set. And finally the performance! (Followed by the reviews which can either make or break a production.).

(32 mins) - Year of Production 1994

Acting for the Screen

We talk to actors about the differences between working big (stage) and small (screen), technical considerations and working environments. We examine a film set and show how a film director works with actors, comparing it to theatre rehearsals. We compare performing on stage with performing for the camera. Comedian Michael Veitch (Fast Forward, D-Generation) discusses the differences between working in T.V., Radio and Theatre and how to approach performance in each medium.

(21 mins) - Year of Production 1994

Set of 6 'Playing a Part' Videos (DR01-06)

Roar of the Greasepaint Videos

Roar of the Greasepaint 1

Roar of the Greasepaint 2

Roar of the Greasepaint 1 & 2

Behind the Mask

This video examines in detail the concept of what a mask is: its history; ritual; Ancient Greek theatre; Commedia dell 'Arte and Noh theatre. modern mask theatre; approach; design; professional and student performances. It includes a step by step demonstration of how to make a papier mache and a leather mask. The wearing of masks from an actor's and an onlooker's point of view.

(59 mins) - Year of Production 1990

Puppet Schmuppet

The origin and development of puppets and puppeteering. Well known characters such as Punch and Judy (including excerpts from a Punch and Judy show). Puppet types: finger, hand, rod, shadow, marionettes and ventriloquial puppets. It includes a demonstration of how to make a simple rag, rod puppet. With interviews and footage from puppeteers - professional and student this video presents a lively and informative journey into the magical world of puppets.

(50 mins) - Year of Production 1990

Circus Skills Videos

Circus Skills 1

Juggling and Flying Trapeze Acts Being part of a circus. The 'Great Tradition'. Managing the show. Juggling - the basics. Juggling different objects: balls, rings and tenpins. Speed juggling. Trapeze skills: basic acrobatic development. Work on the flying trapeze. Safety.

(36 mins) - Year of Production 1995

Circus Skills 2

Clowning and Working with Animals. Clowning - the tradition. Clowning styles. Props used. Setting up a punchline. Developing a comic routine. Make-up and costume. Working with animals. Training and developing tricks. Horses, elephants and camels.

(28 mins) - Year of Production 1995

Circus Skills 1 & 2

Acting Videos

Drama - Comedy

Developing and enhancing comic skills. Performing venues. Writing and developing material. Scripted performance versus adlibbing. Timing. Voice. Body language and facial gesture. The punch line. Stand up versus skit comedy. Use of props and costumes. Music. Satire and other styles.

(36 mins) - Year of Production 1995

Drama - Mime

The styles of the great mime artists. Costume and make-up. Props used in mime. Physique and body posture. Hands: using them expressively. Face: emotions, mouth, eyes, eyebrows, forehead and nose. Creating a character. Telling a story. Starting and finishing.

(32 mins) - Year of Production 1995

Drama - Warm Up and Improvisation

Warming up the body. Warming up the face. Warming up the voice. The origin and value of theatresports. Common routines. Developing the skill of improvisation. Delivering an ad lib. Breathing and relaxation exercises. Techniques to combat nerves. Achieving focus. Meditation.

(36 mins) - Year of Production 1995

Comedy,Mime & Warm Up set

Lighting & Design Videos

Costume Design

Deciding on the overall costume look. Researching periods and styles. Choosing colours and textures. Sourcing materials. Drawing designs. Basic patterns. Hiring versus making. Looking after costumes. Simple alterations to size. Wigs and make-up. Period costuming (e.g. Elizabethan, Victorian). Accessories. An emergency repair kit. Technical and dress rehearsals. Budget. Interviews with professional designers.

(43 mins) - Year of Production 1995

Stage and Scene Design

Creating atmosphere. Thinking in three dimensions. Relationship with other design elements. Working drawings, ground plans and models. Theatre, dance and opera. Types of stages: proscenium arch, theatre-in-the-round etc. Sight lines. Up and down stage. Cueing for performance and lighting. The technical rehearsal. Budget. Interviews with professional designers.

(41 mins) - Year of Production 1995

Theatrical Lighting

Overall mood and atmosphere. Lighting intensity, direction and colour. Lighting actors . Types of lamps: house, footlights, floods, fresnel spot. Number of lights required and how to group them. Lighting plans. The grid. Presetting cross fading. Gobos. Fixing gels. Operating a spotlight. The technical dress rehearsal. maintenance and safety. Budget. Interviews with professional designers.

(45 mins) - Year of Production 1995

Set of 3 Lighting and Stage Design Videos