theatre is a moving image
In this month of April, JSTO and eighth grader, Michael Guiliano, describes 10 youtube videos that are must-see if you like theatre. Sit, back, relax and get ready to watch the best theatre videos on youtube.
1) starkid firebringer
This video, called “STARKID Firebringer - We Got Work To Do "I don't really want to do the work today"”, is a short excerpt from Firebringer, which showcases prehistoric cave-people. The lead woman tells the girls to start work, but they burst out in song exclaiming their want to do just about anything else. This video is a must see because it shows the importance of exposition. If this song was not here, the audience would not know the characters or what they do. This also shows a unique form of comedy where Jemilla states, “How do you all know this dance?” showing that all the characters are aware of their dancing and singing.
2) Thespis, athens, and the origins of greek drama
This video, called “Thespis, Athens, and The Origins of Greek Drama: Crash Course Theater #2”, is part of a short series. This video goes into the origins of Western theatre, which was in Greece. It talked about how the first actors began to arise, and the communities that early plays formed. This video is good to understand some very interesting facts about early theatre, such as they would have only 2-3 actors who would switch masks to transition between characters; it showcases how thousands of people would come together to watch a play. This helped me realize the strength of the communities formed by these plays.
3) HOW TO ACT REALISTICALLY part 1
This video, called “HOW TO ACT 'REALISTICALLY' (1st of 2 videos on this) Acting Coach NYC”, shows the that simply faking an emotion on stage can appear forced and rather unprofessional. This is important because it shows that when you are on stage, sticking with what you know you do well is best to give a good show. If you know how to accurately portray an emotion, then portraying that emotion is amazing and will add to the experience, but when you do not know how to accurately do something, it can ruin the performance. When you are practicing, you can experiment with whatever you want, but when it comes to the actual performance, sticking with what you already know can help with the realism of the performance. This was useful for me because it made me realize that on stage is not the time to experiment, and faking something never gives a good result.
4) how to act realistically part 2
This is part two of the previous video called” HOW TO ACT 'REALISTICALLY' (2nd video of 2 on this) Acting coach NYC”. This video gives exercises and tips on how to experience an emotion on stage. This video is useful because, as the previous tip states, when you fake an emotion or experience, it ends up looking fake. This gives tips on how to experience the emotions you are supposed to be acting, and contribute to the realisticness of the performance. Being able to imagine that the people surrounding you are their characters can truly increase how real the entire performance can come across.
5) Puppeteers training
This video, called “Puppeteers Training-Creating a Puppet Voice”, is about how to develop voices for a puppet. Although this video is about puppeteering, it can be used outside of this field. For example, when researching the character that you are going to play, you have to be able to make a voice for the character to truly make it come to life. If the character is a stuck-up British prince, the voice for that character should be pompous and regal. If it is a Southern farmer, than you should speak with loose vowels and a southern draw. This video is important because, no matter what character is being played, it should always have a unique voice that fits its personality and appearance.
6) william shakespeare playwright
This video, called “William Shakespeare - Playwright | Mini Bio | BIO”, is about the most famous playwright in history, William Shakespeare. This video is important for all actors who have ever done a play to watch because of the outstanding legacy Shakespeare left behind. This video is interesting because it really represents how little we know about the details of his life, yet he was still a master at his work. We are not certain about his birth date, death date, or even education, but he still managed to be such a good playwright that the average American will know his name and be able to name at least one of his plays. This not only shows that everyone can take a talent and leave a legacy, but it also shows how hard you have to work to leave one.
7) steven spielberg
This video, called ”Steven Spielberg - Director & Producer | Mini Bio | BIO”, is on one of the most famous directors of all time, Steven Spielberg. This video showcases some struggles that young Spielberg went through, his successes, and his passion for film. In the video, it is stated that spielberg was interested in film from a young age. Steven Spielberg is a prime example of the old old, “If you have a dream, don't give up on it,” philosophy. He was always interested in film, but even after he was denied access into film schools, he managed to get with Universal Studios and become one of the greatest directors of all time.
8) benedict cumberbatch (hamlet)
This video, called “Benedict Cumberbatch (Hamlet): To be or not to be monologue theatre (Amleto) star Sherlock Avengers”, is a clip from “Hamlet” showcasing Benedict Cumberbatch giving the famous “To be, or not to be” monologue. This video is important to watch because it is an example of the intense emotion that actors can transfer from within themselves to the audience members. You can hear the audience is silent (except for one person who keeps coughing) and truly believing and feeling the emotion of the monologue that is being delivered. This is an example of the outstanding effect theatre can have on people.
9) wHAT IS THEATER?
This video, “called What Is Theater? Crash Course Theater #1,” the basics of theatre are explained. Everything from the how people used to think about theatre to how it is spelled is looked at in this video. This is very useful for your average person, and it doesn’t require you to be an actor to watch. It is simply an informative video on the definitions of theatre, and is very useful to learn something you might not have known, or spread knowledge to your theatre curious friends.
10) HOW TO MEMORIZE LINES FAST?
This video, called “HOW TO MEMORIZE LINES FAST *WITH REAL-TIME DEMONSTRATION*,” a tip on how to easily and quickly memorize lines is revealed. Every actor/actress has had to memorize lines, and more often than not it is a difficult task. With the help of this video, I was able to get the foundation of my lines down. Through the repeated practice of my lines, I began to be able to add emotion and say
AUTHOR
Michael Guiliano
2019 JSTO
2019 JSTO
|
ARCHIVED BLOGS |