Tactics

Definition

Tactics in acting refer to the specific strategies or actions that a character employs to achieve their goals within a scene. These tactics are closely tied to a character's objectives, given circumstances, and emotional responses, making them crucial for delivering authentic performances. By understanding how tactics function, actors can better navigate their characters' motivations and intentions, leading to more compelling portrayals on stage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tactics are not just about physical actions; they also include emotional and psychological strategies characters use to influence others or cope with challenges.
2. Understanding a character's tactics requires an analysis of their objectives and given circumstances, as these elements directly impact how they approach conflicts.
3. Actors often experiment with different tactics during rehearsals to discover the most effective way to convey a character's intentions.
4. Tactics can evolve throughout a performance, as characters adapt to the changing dynamics of the scene and their interactions with other characters.
5. Successful use of tactics helps create subtext, allowing actors to convey deeper layers of meaning beyond the spoken dialogue.

Review Questions

• How do tactics relate to a character's objectives and given circumstances in a performance?
  • Tactics are directly linked to a character's objectives, which represent what they want to achieve in a scene. Given circumstances provide the context within which these objectives exist, influencing how characters choose to act. Understanding both aspects allows actors to select appropriate tactics that reflect their characters' desires while remaining grounded in the reality of the situation.
• In what ways can experimenting with different tactics during rehearsals enhance an actor's performance?
  • Experimenting with different tactics during rehearsals enables actors to explore various ways of approaching their characters' objectives. This exploration can uncover new emotional depths and reactions, enhancing the authenticity of the performance. As actors test out different strategies, they gain insights into how their characters might respond to conflicts and challenges, leading to a more dynamic portrayal on stage.
• Evaluate how the use of tactics influences subtext in a performance and its overall impact on audience engagement.
  • The use of tactics significantly shapes subtext by informing the hidden motivations behind a character's spoken lines and actions. When actors effectively employ tactics that align with their characters' true feelings and desires, it creates layers of meaning that engage the audience on a deeper level. This depth encourages viewers to read between the lines, fostering greater emotional investment in the characters' journeys and enhancing the overall impact of the performance.

Related terms

Objectives: The specific goals or desires that a character aims to achieve in a scene or play, driving their actions and decisions.

Given Circumstances:

The set of specific conditions, facts, and contexts surrounding the character and the situation they find themselves in, shaping their behavior and choices.

Subtext:

The underlying meaning or intention behind a character's words and actions, often revealing their true feelings and motivations.