Tableau
Definition: A tableau is a living representation of a scene formed by one person or a group posing silently and motionlessly. It was originally called “tableau vivant.” “Vivant” means “living.” A tableau should always be ‘alive,’ not flat or dead looking
History: The Greek Theatre. The Greeks did not permit the audience to see murder or violence on stage. The violent scene was portrayed on a platform in the form of a tableau, which was then wheeled before the audience and quickly removed. In addition to providing a highly dramatic moment, the tableau stimulated the audience’s imagination as to what had taken place off stage.
Criteria for a Good Tableau
1. Frozen – must be able to hold position 10 seconds. Eyes still.
2. Facial Expressions – faces should be shown to audience and should be animated and exaggerated…even if you're an object.
3. Levels – use various heights, sitting, standing, bending and so on.
4. Proximity- group must fit in the same frame.
5. Suggested Movement – the picture should look like something just happened or something is about to happen. Trick = Lean!
Don’t forget to be creative and think outside the box! – You don’t need to be human; you could be a chair or part of a chair.
What’s the Big Deal?
In acting tableau is very important. It is used in theatre to start or end a scene. Sometimes it is used to set the mood for an actor’s monologue. The most important aspect of a tableau is that everyone in the tableau must be frozen. This is not easy for many students and it takes practice and focus. If someone were to come into the room unexpectedly, he/she should be able to guess what the picture is about.
Scripts
It's always a good idea to have a copy of your script at home and at school so you can work on it at both locations.
You can print the scripts from the following link. Don't forget to highlight your part, so your eye can easily track the words.
The Grave (5 person script): Link
The Grave (4 person script): Link
Lavender: Link
The Creature Who Came to Dinner: Link
The Red Ribbon: Link
The Werewolf and the Girl with the Red Hood: Link
The Headless Haunt: Link