1. Fundamentals of Theatre I
Stage Movement
Fundamentals of Theatre I

2. Body Positions

3. Stage Movement Vocabulary
Cyclorama – a background curtain hung around the back of the stage. Also known as the cyc.
Wing – Areas off to the sides of the stage.
Proscenium – The opening between the stage and the auditorium.
Leg – Narrow curtains that do not move to the side of the stage. They help mask sightlines and give entrances and exits.
Apron – The area of stage in front of the curtain.
Traveler – Curtain that travels across the stage and cuts off 1/3 of the stage.

4. Parts of a Stage

5. Proscenium Arch

6. Areas of Stage

7. Areas of the Stage

8. Curtains

9. Parts of the Stage 1. Proscenium Arch 7. Teaser 4. Grand Drape 3. Wing
6. Orchestra Pit
5. Apron

10. Morris Says…
I need 10 volunteers to come to the front of the APRON and stand in the OPEN Position.
Only move when I say “Mr. Morris says…”
If you move in the wrong direction or at the wrong cue you are out and will quietly move back to your seat.

11. Sitting on Stage… FEEL the REASON you are sitting. The process…
APPROACH the chair.
BRUSH the BACK of LEGS against the FRONT of chair…
sit, without LOOKING at the CHAIR.

12. Sitting on Stage… Have SOMETHING TO DO while SITTING.
(STAGE BUSINESS)
Small action with a Prop
Avoid NERVOUS HABITS
Avoid CROSSING YOUR LEGS.

13. Turning On Stage…. THE STAGE CROSS
REMEMBER…THE CROSS MUST BE MOTIVATED!!!
For more attention…speak LINE when MOVING!!!
A B
Audience B A 3.
B A

14. Gestures On Stage… Use you Upstage hand.
Rules for Gestures…
Use you Upstage hand.
Avoid HANDS on HIPS or in POCKETS.
All gestures must have a PURPOSE.
Gesture ABOVE the WAIST.

15. The Stage Fall… Steps to follow: Weaken at the Ankles Fall to hip
Tuck elbow
Shoulder hit
Rest head on floor

16. Miscellaneous Rules For Movement…
Kneel on the DOWNSTAGE knee.
Walking up the steps/stairs…begin with UPSTAGE foot.
Don’t UPSTAGE another actor.
TO UPSTAGE means: When an actor takes the attention away from the actor who should have it.

17. Miscellaneous Rules For Movement…
Use a VARIETY of MOVEMENT.
MOVEMENT reflects EMOTION.
Plan/Rehearse you MOVEMENT.

18. Remember…MOVEMENT must be
MOTIVATED