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As well as vocal skills, there are a range of physical skills and techniques for performers to utilise when performing.

The range and clarity of a performer’s facial expressions are dependent on the style of the drama. Eye contact can be a powerful tool for creating a connection between characters or with an audience. What happens when eye contact is used between characters and how long it is held for varies, and eye contact with individual audience members will have an entirely different effect. Try experimenting with both in the mirror or by working in pairs to give constructive feedback to each other.

When thinking more of the body, rather than the face, it is important to consider a performer’s use of:

• posture - the physical alignment of a performer’s body
• mannerisms - small, repeated movements specific to a character
• gait - how a character walks
• movement - several different drama techniques focus on controlled movement, eg ensemble or mime

All of these can convey information about the character being played.

Quick change

In rehearsals, the quick change exercise can help performers to change into other characters, using different physical skills. A character is called out, with stock characters working best, and a performer has to change into role quickly without using words to communicate character.

Bigger and bigger

When performing, the command ‘Bigger’ is called and performers should exaggerate their physicality. This exercise helps encourage performers to use all elements of their body to communicate character. ‘Smaller and smaller’ can also be used to experiment with more subtle physical traits.

Multi-roling

When multi-roling, it is important to be able to switch between the different physical skills quickly. Performers need to think about who their character is and how they feel, particularly in moments where they might be uncomfortable or worried, to be able to make use of appropriate physical techniques. All techniques require definite, precise and controlled movements. Filming movements and watching them back can help performers ensure that their movements are synchronised and fluid.

Gestic acting

Clear gestures or movements define a character’s attitude and situation within a performance. Gestic acting, also known as gestus, is most associated with the practitioner Berthold Brecht and Epic theatre. It is important to consider what a character’s role is within a performance and how a performer can portray this using gestus.