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Drama is all about telling stories.

What is a Narrative.

A Narrative is a story.

We can tell stories in many ways, not just with words.

In drama, one way to tell a story is to create an image.

Images are very powerful ways to communicate stories.

Still images, created on stage without sound, are known as Tableau.

Originally, it was known as “Tableau Vivant”…living picture.

To create the desired effect in Tableau, you must be completely still.Its like you have been flash frozen in the middle of doing something.This includes your mouth. There are no sounds/talking during scenes or transitions.In order to achieve all of this, you and your fellow performers must be completely focused at all times.For each Tableau, all actors need to have one focal point. It needs to be clear to audience with just a quick glance.

You need to use exaggerated facial and body expression in order to indicate character, situation and emotion. Each tableau is caught in mid-action…it’s NOT a portrait it is an action picture. Something from the sports section not the food section.Although still, actors must look alive. It needs to look Vivant!Each tableau should be held for 8 – 10 seconds

Alive…Yes!!

Portrait…Bad!!

Your tableau should be balanced without being identical on both sides. Asymmetrical or irregular is best.Imagine you are looking at a bar graph not a police line-up.Use different body positions (kneeling, standing, leaning, lying, squatting, etc.)Use different levels to add interest (low, medium, high)Use the whole stage and vary the depth and area. (centre, up, down, left, right…)

Transitions are used to get from one tableau image to another.All transitions must appear Fluid and have PurposeSo they need to be Rehearsed and Planned.Start with Neutral reverse.Peel-out into a slow Neutral walk.Take your position and slowly form your image.Count to eight or ten.Slowly return to Neutral position and peel-out into a slow Neutral walk until you form a new image.You may also "Melt/Flow" from picture to picture.The peel-out is traditionally used to show a “length of time” while the melt/flow indicates images that may occur in a very small time frame.To end the performance you Peel-back to Neutral Reverse.

Each actor is portraying a specific character in each scene Set place/time/locationEstablish character(s)ConflictRising TensionClimaxOut the Back Door/leave them wanting moreFramed/Planned

Music, Sound Effects and Lights (collectively known as “tech”) can significantly enhance the impact of your scenes.

Choose music that is appropriate (ie: no questionable content) and will help drive home the point of your scene (ie: happy/sad/romantic/etc).

Sound Effects (FX) is used well and timed correctly can take a performance to the next level (ie: traffic/ nature/ explosion/etc)

Finally, lighting can also add to the emotional experience of your performance (ie: red = love or anger).

The simple use of lights up and down to signify the start and end can help the audience’s experience.

A rule of thumb to follow in this area is “KISS”…Keep It Simple Stupid! These features of performance can enhance…but can also detract from the overall effect of your performance.As best as you can, try and work with only a little of each. The focus should be on your performance, not your outfit.Limit yourself to what will keep the performance "running smooth“…too many set and costume changes will hold up the performance. Anything more than 15 seconds, and you will begin to “lose” your audience.Instead of complicated sets use blocks help. They are preferable because; they can be used to establish levels; they are not as "noticable“; unlike a chair/table, they can be used for just about anything (imagination)

Full Front

•Actor is facing the audience directly

Cheating/One Quarter Turn

•Body is no more than 45º angle to audience

Profile

•Side view of actor

Three Quarter Turn

•Most of body facing away from audience

Full Back

•Actor has back to audience

Visibility

•Be as visible to the audience as possible

•Hair out of eyes

•Face and body towards audience

•Gesture with upstage arm

•Do not block other actors

Energy

•Avoid distractions on and off stage

•Be totally involved in character and scene

Length

•Stick to time restraints

•Get the most out of every situation

-Form groups of 6 people.-Create a series of Tableau’s ( like a “slide show”) of the events leading up to, during and after the hurricane that devastated New Orleans-Your slide show should have at least 8 pictures.-You must have examples of the two different types of transitions (showing large or short time span between images)-You need music.-You need a tech-person (from another group) to run lights and music.…The only limit is your imagination.

• Tableaux Assignment• Create groups of 5-6 people.

• Pick your favouriteOlympic event (Summer or Winter).

• Create a “slide show” of the event that illustrates various scenes from the start to the finish of the competition.

• Your slide show should have at least 8 – 10 pictures.• People in the slides can be competitors, fans,

commentators, coaches, etc. • At LEAST 2 Peels, 2 Melts

• Start/Finish with Peel out-in• …The only limit is your imagination.

The End

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