Performance Styles in Theatre

Performance Styles in Theatre

1. PRESENTATIONAL

   • Actor’s acknowledge the audience by breaking the fourth wall
   • Theatrical (dramatic and often exaggerated)
   • No attempt to hide that there is an actor on stage, performing for an audeince
   • What can you look for?
     • Direct Address (Narrator)
     • Multiple time frames (flash back/cross cutting)
     • Tableaux (freeze frames)
     • Transformation (changing characters)
     • Exaggerated and stylized movement
   • HOODS

2. REPRESENTATIONAL

   • Actors give an illusion that the audience is watching a representation of life.
   • This style of acting is mostly in realistic plays
   • Actor’s do not acknowledge the audience
   • What can you look for?
     • Fourth wall is established (audience)
     • Linear narrative (clear beginning, middle and end)
     • Actors wear authentic costumes
     • Realistic set and props used