“Actors are lazy!”While this phrase has often been uttered by the many non-performers of the world, it is rare to hear it from the lips of an actor.
Yet Doug Berky, a guest artist assisting with the production
The Tempest centered Wednesday evening’s movement workshop around this theme, constantly reminding the cast and crew participating that “we want to use as little energy as possible!” He used a variety of exercises to get everyone to completely relax their bodies onstage and to use very little movement to convey a lot of meaning. Many actors find it very uncomfortable to be still onstage, perhaps because it’s difficult to understand that position and the way you hold your body can say as much or more about your character as movement.
However, as the workshop progressed the actors realized that the moments they got the clearest picture of a character from the actor’s body language were when there was actually very little movement. One of the keys to improving movement onstage is getting in touch with your body and being aware of what it is saying at all times. To help the cast really think about this, Berky had some actors put on a “neutral mask” and try to be a completely neutral human, without emotions, thoughts, or gender.
(one of Berky's "Neutral Masks")
The actors walked up and down the stage to pick up a pen, then the audience commented on what impressions the actor gave out as they walked. The result was that no one could manage to be completely neutral—perhaps they came close, but the way they turned their head or shifted their hips gave something away, and their character became sad, proud, or even seductive. This exercise excellently demonstrated the way very subtle movements can convey quite a lot to an audience.
The company also participated in a number of exercises involving masks, which are one of Berky’s specialties. He had an array of masks, some with defined emotions and some with much more vague expressions, but all of them left a lot open for the actor to create a character. The mask forces the actor to rely on his body to portray a character rather than facial expression or words. However, the mask might suggest a character or help the actor to be more confident in his depiction.
(Rachel Stowers lets the mask work)
There are many advantages to having the cast participate in such a workshop. Director Doug Cummins comments, “In this large cast, not everyone has studied acting at Furman. The workshop gives us a shared vocabulary for the rest of the rehearsal period. I have already been able to apply some of Doug’s ideas in rehearsal. I’m sure that it will improve our total effort.” The cast and crew really enjoyed this unique opportunity to work with such a wonderful performer as well. It was a great experience for all involved. Cummins speaks on behalf of many when he says that “Working with Doug Berky is a special treat. He is a working independent artist who has made a long and successful career. It is very important to me that young actors see that acting is not an effete, artsy kind of thing, but hard work that requires dedication, discipline, and courage. Doug Berky exemplifies that. Also, as a dedicated family man and a devoted Christian performer, he sets a role model that is unmatched.”
(Left: Meredith Neville sicks with a stern looking mask. Right: A mask continues to give its sidelong glance, even when it isn't being used.)Berky ended his weeklong residency with Furman Theatre in a marvelous exhibition of his many talents on March 25th, attended by many faculty as well as cast and crew members. See the previous article
here.
Article by Kristen Pitts.
Photos by Charles Murdock Lucas
