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04-27-2006, 04:50 AM
| #1 | ||
| Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2
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I am in an Agatha Christie play 'A Murder is announced'. It is a good sized part but I am on stage a lot of the time with nothing to do. We don't get to use the actual set until 2 days before so I don't know what props there will be. I am quite new to this and do not know what to do with my hands. The women clasp there's to the front but as a chap I just don't know. I play Patrick Simmons who is a bit of a cad. A young, well educated layabout who is very energetic and sarcastic. There is another male character who folds his arms a lot so folding my arms is a no no. Are there any general tips for this standing about business? | ||
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HELP!! Acting tips for doing Agatha Christie |
04-27-2006, 12:59 PM
| #2 | ||
| Senior Member  Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA
Posts: 168
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Hello there, I can remedy your problem here. I had to play a large male role in our last play we did "much ado about nothing" [shakespeare] and i had to adopt a lot of male qualities. One-the voice. I lowered mine an octave or two. Two-the hands. which seems to be your issue here. Simple-BE THE CHARACTER. I stress this, cause this is very important for an actor. also, when i played a man i used my hands like this: crossed in front of chest fingers in belt or rim of pants clasped behind back played with chin or (when i had my sword): clasped it fondled/handled it and perched my hand on it its much easier when you have props cause you can sorta play with it. but when you dont just be in tune to HOW THE CHARACTER FEELS. the hands are a bigger thing to need to deal with than most audiences would guess. Im two years in experience in our community theatre, and the hands express a lot since one is on stage. you have to OVER emphasize things, but not to the extent that it makes you look animated. Be mindful but not in a way that detracts from your character. By the way, I'm Steph and i'll be 17 this May. You?? Glad to help anytime. seeya, SWK78 | ||
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04-27-2006, 01:02 PM
| #3 | ||
| Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA
Posts: 168
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also: i sometimes fisted one hand and put it on my hip....or since i had a buttoned jacket in some scenes, i did the famous Napolean thing: put my fingers inside the jacket. SWK78 | ||
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05-03-2006, 04:38 AM
| #4 | ||
| Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2
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Thanks for your help guys. I should point out that I am a man so lowering my voice will probably make me sound like those "Bom-bom-bom" people in a barbershop quartet. I like the suggestions of what to do with my hands. I think I might go with pockets and chin strokes. Oh and in answer to the first post I am 26 living in the UK | ||
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