Acting Notes

• With the performance method used in the Stories of Us PaCE Program, rehearsals are
principally to clarify which actor is starting, the general content each will be covering in their
dialogue, motivation, etc. Once everyone is clear and the scene seems to be working, stop
rehearsing because repetition can cause the actors to start to become stale, and for the
scene to lose freshness.
• It is not necessary for the actors to be perfect in rehearsal. Use the rehearsals to make sure
everyone knows what they are doing, but also to see if there are any ‘dead’ spots where
the story stops because the actors either don’t know what to do next or have lost their
motivation.
• If there is a dead spot because the actors feel they should pause before moving forward (for
example before changing the subject of their conversation) it can sometimes be filled with
action – for example, the actor does something like pick up a book, or starts to walk away
then turns back, or there may be some background action (extras) that fills the gap. The
actors should not always feel the need to talk to fill the silence spots. In reality we regularly
have silent moments. Such moments can even add tension if slightly prolonged.
• In rehearsing each scene: start by clarifying what is the main story point or incident – and
make sure that everyone in the group is clear on this. Next, decide what the characters are
doing and what they are talking about – what is happening immediately prior to the incident
in the scene. Then think about who begins the action and/or dialogue.
• To use an example of a bullying scene: if the victim and their friend are together and the
bully comes up and does something to the victim, what are the victim and friend talking
about before the bully approaches, and what are they doing? They may be talking about a
sports game, or complaining about homework. They may be walking along the hallway, or
seated in class when the teacher has briefly left the room. Plan on talking for at least 10-15
seconds before the bully interrupts. The idea is to have sufficient dialogue that the audience
starts to become interested in the conversation first – then the bullying incident occurs.
• If you know where you are (scene location), what you are doing, who begins first and what
has to happen in the scene… you can start to rehearse!
• You should aim for approximately one minute per scene – which means the actors should get
to the point of the scene fairly quickly.

 
Rehearsal Instructions Sheet
The following optional guidelines may prove useful in rehearsing the play.

REHEARSAL – BUILDING THE SCENE

In rehearsing with the actors they should build each scene as follows:
1. What happens in the scene? What is the main story point or incident that is the reason for
the scene and the main thing to communicate (by words or action) to the audience?
2. What are the characters doing (walking, sitting, studying, etc) and talking about prior to the
story point or incident?
3. Who starts the dialogue – who talks first, and what do they say?

REHEARSAL – ACTOR PREPARATION

To prepare for each scene, each actor should consider:

1. What happened BEFORE the scene? Think about ‘backstory’, about what happened before
the scene that is relevant to what you feel now – that is relevant to your feelings or the
story.
2. What happens DURING the scene? What is the main action (words or physical movement)
in the scene?
3. What is your OBJECTIVE in the scene? What does your character want to get from
the people in the scene? What is the outcome you want? Do you want someone to do
something? Do you want someone to like you?
4. REACT, don’t ‘Act’. Listen to what the others in the scene are saying (or watch what they
are doing), and react to them. Focus on them, not yourself. Reacting is a critical part of
acting.

 
Directing Notes
The following optional guidelines may prove useful in rehearsing the play.

DIRECTORS’ INSTRUCTIONS

For the first rehearsal let the actors work without interference or comment. They should stand
back and consider the following (which may help to improve the scene):
• Are the necessary content points being communicated? (Refer to your script)
• Are the actors being true to their characters (are they responding in a natural way under the
circumstances of the scene, or are they ‘acting’ and don’t seem real)?
• Does each of the actors appear to know their motivation (what they want from the scene)?
• Do the actors all feel engaged in the scene, or are some unsure what they are doing?
• Does it look real (the actors, the action, and the extras?

After the actors have rehearsed the scene a couple of times others may contribute – but only if
they feel sure they can improve things. Don’t boss the actors around, but to provide objective
input. The art of good directing is to ensure the actors feel they are in control of their part, and
to give support if they are unsure.

It is not necessary to advise them to change everything if it is going well. In which case, simply
encourage the actors, let them know they are doing well.