Thursday, May 1, 2008

Space for Truckdrivers

...the first in an occasional series discussing the mechanics of acting for the Stage...








"Pace," as used in the theatrical world, means the rhythm of a production. It reflects character, motivation, and urgency (or lack thereof). Take this hypothetical:





Actor A: "I got a phone call asking for Blah Blah Blah."


Actor B: "Who is Blah Blah Blah???"


Actor C: "That's me. They call me that at [insert hysterical punchline]"





It is a very traditional and very effective formula to build to a joke, and keeps up the momentum of the show.





But suppose all of the actors are not tuned into the rhythm of the moment? The following might happen:





Actor A: "I got a phone call asking for Blah Blah Blah."


[beat.]


[beat.]


[beat.]


[beat.]


[beat.]


[beat.]


[beat.]


Actor B:" Who is Blah Blah Blah?"








A "beat," as used in the above context, is simply a pause. Not a full second, but a pause of silence. Think of it as a heartbeat.





Perhaps Actor B is pausing for six or seven beats because he/she is doing a lot of "silent acting" before he/she can deliver the next line.





But a savvy director is sure to point out that a long pause is unnecessary at this point, and is even detrimental in a farcical, high-voltage production. It's likely to reflect a lack of urgency in the proceedings.





In that case, that director might say:








"You could drive a truck through that cue."