INDEPENDENT TABLEAU PROJECT
We have been working on individual tableaux. Such as “A popcorn in the microwave” or “an ant about to be stepped on.” The difference here is that you will write a story of 5-7 different tableaux that together tell a story.
Example: The RACE
* Stretching
* Called to starting line.
* Gun goes off. Run.
* Ahead, but look back.
* Trip and hurt ankle.
* Watch someone else win.
Time to PLAN
5-7 tableaux
Must have a conflict to make it interesting.
The story should be mostly verbs...which will help it be very physical.
Keep it simple. All you are allowed to explain is the setting or title, so make sure the audience will understand what you are trying to show.
Put your plan into your portfolio along with the title "Independent Tableau Story."
Time to PRACTICE
You need to think of one tableau (statue) for each line.
No two tableaux should look the same, make sure you move a lot each time.
Make sure the story allows for levels.
Make sure the story allows for emotional changes which will allow you to exaggerate your face!
Once you are happy with your poses, practice getting from one pose to the next as quickly as possible.
You need to use your muscles to hold tight! (Dynamic Stillness)
Make sure 3/4 of your face (2 eyes) will always show to the audience.
Aiming the action forward is more interesting than being sideways.
Remember the more uncomfortable the more interesting, but you need to be able to balance. If you are really wobbly, there is no point in choosing that position.
When the drum goes, you want to get into the new position as fast as possible. It should look like a series of photos!
Ask a family member or friend to watch and give you feedback. Video yourself so you can see what the audience will see.
Time to FILM (Hopefully this will happen at school, but if you are sick or working from home use these as suggestions)
Choose a location with a neutral background so it is not distracting.
It's important that we can see your full body.
Make sure hair is back and your clothing is not distracting.
Make sure you have good lighting.
Start in neutral.
Say your title in a LOUD & CLEAR voice.
Then go into your first position.
If there is someone available to clap or tap a pan every 5 seconds than great, but this is optional. Otherwise, just hold each position for 5 FULL seconds.
Be sure to have levels & suggested movement in every position.
Be sure to have exaggerated facial expressions that always show to the audience.
Use your muscles to hold strong positions.
Choose a focal point for each position so you are not looking at the camera.
End in neutral.
Examples:
Rubric: LINK
Slating Your Way to Fame
What is a Slate?
This is the first thing you say to your judges or the director when you take the stage or start off your video audition. This will always contain your full name and often includes your age, where you are from and what part you are trying for. In professional auditions, you would also be asked to share who represents you.
A slate may seem easy and not particularly important, but this is the judge's first glimpse and you want their first impression to be that you are CONFIDENT and FRIENDLY.
ADVICE
YouTube Video
Our Slating Project
Now that we've learned how to engage our diaphragm and how to use vocal variety, let's put our skills to the ultimate test... ON STAGE!
First, write your script.
My name is (Full name, including middle name).
I am (age)
I am originally from (where?) but I've been living in Singapore now for (how long).
Today I would like to share the story (this is where you get to be creative... what do you want to be known for... how fun with this.)
Examples
The story about the day I saved 3 children from a burning fire!
The story about how I invented a miracle peanut that ended world hunger.
How I brought dinosaurs back into existence.
End by thanking your audiences.
Once you've written your slate... practice, practice, practice.
Try to avoid anything that tells your audience you are nervous.
Hints:
* Smile
* Don't rush
* Breathe
* Don't pull on your clothes
* Look at the entire audience, not one person
* Don't run
* Avoid filler words like "um" and "ah"
More advice - Don't be crazy.
YouTube Video