...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:
"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."