Acting in Real Time

by Binnerts, Paul; Wangh, Stephen

• ISBN13: 9780472117949
• ISBN10: 0472117947
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-06-25
• Publisher: Univ of Michigan Pr

Summary

Acting in Real Timemakes available in English Dutch director and acting teacher Paul Binnerts's concept of real-time theater. Real-time theater offers a challenge to Stanislavski and Brecht, whose theories of stage realism dominated the 20th century. In providing a new way to consider the actor's presence on stage, Binnerts advocates breaking down the "fourth wall" that has been a central tenet of acting theories associated with realism. In real-time theater, actors forgo attempts to "become a character" and instead understand their function as storytellers who are fully present on stage and may engage the audience and their fellow actors directly. This level of involvement allows actors to deepen their grasp of the material and amplify their stage presence, resulting in more engaged and nuanced performances. Illuminated by practical examples from the author's experience, the book explains why realism has become the dominant theater and acting convention and how it can hinder the creation of real imaginative theater. Designed for both theater professionals and students, Acting in Real Timealso offers a comprehensive history of acting, elucidates the realistic mode of acting in relationship to the history of the architecture of the theatrical space, and explores in depth real-time acting as an alternative. The book will appeal to actors and acting students, directors, stage designers, costume designers, lighting designers, theater historians, and dramaturgs.