Activities
1. Acting is...
Find Michael Hurst's introductory page and click on ACTING.
Listen to and read the definition beginning "Acting is...." and explore each of the key words (in yellow) i.e. Storytelling, Audience, Skills, Techniques, Character, Listening and Trust. Each of these words link to information pages that focus your learning about drama. Click on one of these words, gain information, then select BACK to return to ACTING to make a new selection. Try doing this with at least four different key words.
Choose one to share with a partner in your own words.
2. Inspiration, Character and Techniques
a. How does Michael bring characters to life for the audience? What inspires him?
b. Technique
Watch the movie and describe what happens when he states in two different ways the lines "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
c. Training
In Christchurch Michael, along with other apprentice actors were 'thrown in at the deep end'. What exactly does this phrase mean? Can you think of a similar personal situation where you've been 'thrown in at the deep end'? What was the result?
d. Skills
Michael's goal is always to improve on HOW he can use his body and voice when he is creating a character. What are some of the ways he does this? What does the movie demonstrate? As you research this, try to make links to TECHNIQUE and CHARACTER.
e. Stage Fights
"Stage fights have got to be flashy, look dangerous, be safe. But they can't be too safe. I hate seeing pathetic fights..."
What learned skills and previous experiences has Michael had to be able to stage 'flashy and dangerous looking' stage fights?
f. Warm ups and Games
"If you don't do it in rehearsal you may never see it. You have to take risks. You have to be prepared to look foolish."
Why are games and warm ups important in acting?
g. Can you match the quotes with some key process elements?
| SCRIPT |
EXPLORING TEXT |
AUDIENCE |
REHEARSAL |
"The lines don't change but there are many ways of reading them."
"It's about trying as many different things as you can and perhaps not making too many decisions."
"Without the audience it's nothing."
"Lines down first rehearsal."
