Richard Boleslavsky's characterization lesson focuses on observing and understanding individuals in order to create believable and diverse characters in acting. In this exercise of choosing one person amongst your classmates to characterize, the purpose is to develop the skills of observation, understanding physicality, and portraying character traits.
1. Observing: When choosing one person to characterize, you will start by keenly observing your classmates as they enter the class and settle into their seats. Notice their body language, facial expressions, clothing choices, speed of movement, and any distinctive features or habits they exhibit. This exercise trains you to be observant and details-oriented, as actors need to keenly observe real-life individuals to create rich and believable characters on stage.
2. Understanding Physicality: As you observe how your chosen classmate walks, enters the class, and settles into their seat, pay attention to their physicality. How do they carry themselves? Do they walk confidently, hesitantly, or with a unique rhythm? How do they position their body while sitting? This exercise helps you understand how physicality can express character traits such as confidence, timidity, grace, or awkwardness. It enhances your ability to translate these physical observations into creating distinct and individual characters in your acting.
3. Portraying Character Traits: Once you have observed and understood your chosen classmate's physicality, you can then analyze and interpret their actions and behaviors. Try to connect their physicality with possible character traits. For example, if they enter the class with a purposeful stride and settle into their seat with an air of confidence, you might interpret them as a self-assured and determined individual. This exercise encourages you to imagine the inner life and motivations of the character based on their physical presentation.
By practicing this exercise, you are applying Richard Boleslavsky's ideas of careful observation, understanding physicality, and portraying character traits. These are fundamental techniques that actors use to create well-rounded and believable characters in performances.
how does the excersise of choosing one person amongst your classmates to characterize, from how they walk when entering in class to how they settle into their sits relevant to richard boleslavky's characterisation lesson
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