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The Given Circumstances
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The Given Circumstances: The 5 Ws of Acting
Let's consider the following scene:
What?
When?
A. You're late.
B. I know. I couldn't help it.
A. I understand.
B. I thought you would.
A. I have something for you.
B. Really?
A. Yes, this.
Who?
The second W is what. "What" is what happens...the plot.
So, the first 4 Ws are all given by the playwright - the given circumstances.
They are given in 3 different segments of the script.
Do you know where?
Remember,
If you know why,
you'll know how!
The "when" is also the setting. The audience can tell when a play takes place by looking at the sets and costumes.
The first of the 5 Ws. The "who" are the characters in the scene.
These lines could be played hundreds of ways. The best way to play them depends on the motivation of the two characters, or
WHY they are there.
Watch:
Where?
Stage Directions
The third W is where. The setting is "where" the scene takes place.
But what about that fifth W??????
Information written in italics which
gives the actor clues for movement, emotions, props etc.
Found at the beginning of the
play, the playwright sometimes
gives general info which
can help the actor.
It's probably the most
important one, and it's
not directly given. As
an actor, YOU have
to figure it out!
Most of the script is dialogue.
Of course, what the characters
say reveals much for the actor
and the other characters in the
scene.
Why?
The fifth W is "why." Why
are you in the scene? Why
is that other character with me? Why are we here?
The answer is....
If you know, why... you'll now how!