Constantin Stanislavski

Constantin Stanislavski:

Question 1 : What relaxation exercises are used by the actors in 'An Actor Prepares' What are the benefits of learning to relax while performing?

 Stanislavski uses several relaxation exercises as being relaxed is a vital part of enabling performance of the highest possible standard. The 'Relaxation of Muscles' exercise tells us that we should be relaxed- "The actor should practice relaxing his muscles; we tend to be too tense." I can relate to this as there have been a lot of times in my 'Stage Life' where I have been incredibly nervous. It has impacted my performance on several occassions so Stanislavski's 'Relaxation of Muscles' is something that will have a lot of benefits for a Performer- not just on Stage but in Auditions too. The specific benefits of learning to relax while performing is that when you're relaxed you're less likely to forget lines, less likely to use overly tense body posture (although if it suits your character that's fine!) and less likely to have a shakey voice (again, if this suits your character it's no problem).

Question 2 : What sensory exercises does Stanislavsky use? Why is it important not to rush when working through sensory exercises?

 There are to aspects of Sensory Memory- physical and mental. We have 5 senses: Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste and Touch. Each person may have stronger senses than others as no ones senses are equally strong. For example, some people might have a much stronger Visual Memory and someone else it might be hearing that is strongest.

 Stanislavski's 'Five Senses' exercises are meant to be aimed at actual life experiences. If any of the exercises fall outside of your own experiences, ignore it and don't try to imagine. The exercise encourages you to relive a certain experience in your life through all 5 senses.

Here is a link to an Acting Company doing Stanislavsky's Sensory Exercises: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8mvDisUeWk 

Question 3 : What are the Given Circumstances of a play? Why is it important that an actor understands the Given Circumstances in a play?

 The Given Circumstances in a Drama, for a Character, apply to the set of environmental and situational conditions that influence the actions that the character experiences. Although the character may make choices unconsciously, the Actor portraying the character is aware of the conditions on a conscious level which helps him/her strengthen their understanding of the motivation behind the characters actions. Stanislavski describes given circumstances as "The plot, the facts, the incidents, the period, the time and place of the action, the way of life.".

Task 2 - When you have collected your own copies of the scripts from Kim look at your scenes and write a detailed description of the Given Circumstances of at least two of the scenes you are in.

Jim Fenner's Given Circumstances:

Scene 3: Rachel's Cell
- The Given Circumstances in this scene are that Jim is in a cell with a vulnerable female prisoner. He is a Prison Guard and his job is to look after and ensure she is healthy and safe.

Scene 9: Shell's Cell
- The Given Circumstances in this scene are that once again Jim is in a Prisoner's cell. However, the atmosphere in this scene is very different to Scene 3 as Jim has already slept with Shell and they have a sexual relationship. However, Jim is a Prison Guard and he would get into a lot of trouble and would lose his job if he was to get caught. They feel comfortable with each other though which makes this scene contrast Scene 3.


Task 3 - What does your character want in that scene? What is their objective?

Scene 3: Rachel's Cell
- Jim wants to take advantage of Rachel and actually does eventually end up raping her. He wants to use his power as a Prison Guard to mislead her and intimidate her into doing what he wants her to do. His objective in this particular scene is to simply gain Rachel's trust.

Scene 9: Shell's Cell
- In this scene, Jim wants to have sex with Shell. There is no other objective in this scene other then that.