The Physical Actor: A Book on Physical Acting in Training and Performance
Date
2005-08
Authors
Costello, Michael
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Abstract
In my proposal for the research enhancement grant, I outlined two primary goals: 1) to continue my research for the book by working with a group of undergraduate students trained in physical acting to further develop training exercises and explore physical techniques for creating experimental performance pieces; 2) to write a complete draft for 3 chapters based on existing research notes and material gathered during the work sessions with my student collaborators. Since I was awarded only part of the grant funds requested, I narrowed the scope of my research to the first of my two goals. At this point in writing the book, examining the practical methods and applications of the training to performance is of the utmost importance. The opportunity to work with a group of actors trained in this approach, while using only the physical acting techniques in the rehearsal process, was imperative to
evaluating and defining the significance of the training. The idea was to use the physical techniques from the training to develop a new work, rehearse it, and perform it for an audience. I selected 7 student actors (5 women and 2 men) who had studied with me in the physical acting training for a year. They were well versed in the approach and very skilled in using it effectively. As a vehicle for this exploration, I chose to create an experimental piece constructed from parts of 3 Greek plays. In early December 2005, this work, Electra in Pieces, was presented in 2 performances.
Description
Research Enhancement Program Final Report
Keywords
physical acting, training, performance
Citation
Costello, M. (2005). <i>The physical actor: A book on physical acting in training and performance</i>. Research Enhancement Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX.