Ways to utilise the stage when your characters meant to be sitting

[Angela Karanikolas]

Hi Guys,
My IP character is a young lady who is meant to be elderly in looks and mannerisms. She is to be sitting for the duration of the monologue (according to the script) however my teacher has advised to move around and utilise the stage more.

I was wondering if there were any ideas of what I could do to utilise the stage whilst remaining in the character?

Thank you

[lilyrosee]

Hi Guys,
My IP character is a young lady who is meant to be elderly in looks and mannerisms. She is to be sitting for the duration of the monologue (according to the script) however my teacher has advised to move around and utilise the stage more.

I was wondering if there were any ideas of what I could do to utilise the stage whilst remaining in the character?

Thank you

I would use a prop/s or mime doing an activity that would relate to your character whilst you are doing your monologue

[brenden]

Hey!

You could use a walking stick as a prop, and have other props on the stage like a walker, or a coffee table on wheels with a radio or a lamp on it.

With your character sitting down - you could (and I'm getting creative here), hold the straight end of the walking stick, then reach with the walking stick and "hook" things with the curved end and pull stuff towards you. You could then even integrate other stagecraft into your monologue (i.e., if the lady reaches for a radio, or a torch or some shit, you can utilise sound/lighting as well as the obvious  ones inherent in your monologue like costume/prop/acting).

That's one way to utilise more of the stage - i.e., to have furniture and other stuff (obviously you have to carry it into the monologue room, I forget the rules). Because your props can take up some of the stage, and then you can take actions like reaching for things without even leaving your seat.

[Angela Karanikolas]

I would use a prop/s or mime doing an activity that would relate to your character whilst you are doing your monologue

Thanks so much! I'll try and incorporate some into my piece!

[brenden]

Thanks so much! I'll try and incorporate some into my piece!

Keep us updated, would love to hear what you come up with!!!

[Angela Karanikolas]

Hey!

You could use a walking stick as a prop, and have other props on the stage like a walker, or a coffee table on wheels with a radio or a lamp on it.

With your character sitting down - you could (and I'm getting creative here), hold the straight end of the walking stick, then reach with the walking stick and "hook" things with the curved end and pull stuff towards you. You could then even integrate other stagecraft into your monologue (i.e., if the lady reaches for a radio, or a torch or some shit, you can utilise sound/lighting as well as the obvious  ones inherent in your monologue like costume/prop/acting).

That's one way to utilise more of the stage - i.e., to have furniture and other stuff (obviously you have to carry it into the monologue room, I forget the rules). Because your props can take up some of the stage, and then you can take actions like reaching for things without even leaving your seat.

Thank you so much, this was super helpful! This will also really help with my logbook!!

[brenden]

Thank you so much, this was super helpful! This will also really help with my logbook!!

I'm glad I could be useful, let us know if you need to bounce of us more in the future!

[sudodds]

Heyyyy some fab suggestions here already, but thought I could offer my own two cents!

Does elderly have to equal decrepit? Obviously not expecting you to be bouncing around the stage, but unless it is otherwise stated in the script you don't necessarily have to take the hunched over, painful jerky movement approach. Might get a tad cliche (and a lot of the drama markers are old themselves and may not appreciate that interpretation!). That in mind however I actually really like brendens walking stick idea + the use of props can make for a more dynamic performance.

Maybe consider integrating "period" based stylised movement? Like if you watch a movie from the 30-40s, often the way people composed themselves was quite different to today. Potentially - if it fits with the script - dancing in an older style? idk.

Just a thought - may be too subtle, but still something to consider even if you end up incorporating my stereotypically old movement as well.

Hope this helps! good luck

Susie

[brenden]

Heyyyy some fab suggestions here already, but thought I could offer my own two cents!

Does elderly have to equal decrepit? Obviously not expecting you to be bouncing around the stage, but unless it is otherwise stated in the script you don't necessarily have to take the hunched over, painful jerky movement approach. Might get a tad cliche (and a lot of the drama markers are old themselves and may not appreciate that interpretation!). That in mind however I actually really like brendens walking stick idea + the use of props can make for a more dynamic performance.

Maybe consider integrating "period" based stylised movement? Like if you watch a movie from the 30-40s, often the way people composed themselves was quite different to today. Potentially - if it fits with the script - dancing in an older style? idk.

Just a thought - may be too subtle, but still something to consider even if you end up incorporating my stereotypically old movement as well.

Hope this helps! good luck

Susie

Very important points, great post.

[sudodds]

Very important points, great post.

merci! Oh god do I miss drama

[Angela Karanikolas]

Heyyyy some fab suggestions here already, but thought I could offer my own two cents!

Does elderly have to equal decrepit? Obviously not expecting you to be bouncing around the stage, but unless it is otherwise stated in the script you don't necessarily have to take the hunched over, painful jerky movement approach. Might get a tad cliche (and a lot of the drama markers are old themselves and may not appreciate that interpretation!). That in mind however I actually really like brendens walking stick idea + the use of props can make for a more dynamic performance.

Maybe consider integrating "period" based stylised movement? Like if you watch a movie from the 30-40s, often the way people composed themselves was quite different to today. Potentially - if it fits with the script - dancing in an older style? idk.

Just a thought - may be too subtle, but still something to consider even if you end up incorporating my stereotypically old movement as well.

Hope this helps! good luck

Susie

Thank you so much Susie! It has been super stressful trying to find the 'perfect' way to execute this character and monologue. This will definitely help me in creating some stage movements to utilise it to the best of my abilities. Your ideas have certainly helped me!! Many thanks

[sudodds]

Thank you so much Susie! It has been super stressful trying to find the 'perfect' way to execute this character and monologue. This will definitely help me in creating some stage movements to utilise it to the best of my abilities. Your ideas have certainly helped me!! Many thanks

Lovely to hear! Keep us updated, if you need any more help with anything please let us know!

[Angela Karanikolas]

Lovely to hear! Keep us updated, if you need any more help with anything please let us know!

I sure will keep you all updated as we know performances are constantly being altered. Thank you again for your brilliant advice!!

[Angela Karanikolas]

I'm glad I could be useful, let us know if you need to bounce of us more in the future!

Absolutely!! Thank you a bunch