Viewpoints Reflection

In class we did many different exercises and learned about several vocabulary terms in order to understand viewpoints. Tempo, duration, kinesthetic response, repetition, and spatial relationship were all terms we went over in class and then applied to the exercises. Tempo is the speed a movement or gesture is performed. Tempo can affect the meaning of an action. For example, if someone reaches out slowly to touch someone on the shoulder that could be a meaningful or touching moment. However, if this same movement is done at a normal speed it could come across as a normal action to get someone's attention. Duration is the length of time that something is done for. If someone stands still for only a moment it can mean they are reluctant to do something. Although, if the pause is continued for a longer period of time it can mean they are waiting for something. Kinesthetic response is basing all of your movements on what someone else does. When someone speeds up this can prompt you to slow down or to match their pace. Spatial relationship is how close you are to others on stage. The proximity between you and others on the stage is important and can convey the meaning of a scene. Repetition is copying something about what another person on the stage is doing.

For me the most meaningful part of this unit was the exercise we did on Monday. During this exercise we split into two groups, and four people at a time walked the space. We had to use all of the terms and techniques we have learned so far in order to make the scene more interesting. This was the culmination of everything we learned throughout this unit. Both my group and the one I observed made several different scenes that I found interesting. During my group there was a time where everyone was standing still, looking at a different wall and I was tiptoeing across the stage. Several seconds later I stopped, looked at a different wall from the ones everyone else was looking at, and Mr. Hunton ended the scene. If this scene was used in a real production, the emotions of the story would probably be sad and lonely. The story could be about people dying or leaving a place until there is no one left. 

During this unit we also learned about soft focus. To have soft focus you can’t look at anyone or anything specific but you have to be aware of everything around you. We used this when we practiced doing motions as an ensemble in unison. This means that everyone does a motion at the same time but it is not clear who starts the motion. We applied this when we did the exercise when we ran into and out of a circle. We all had to run into the circle at the same time, stop for the same amount of time and then run backwards out of the circle. I used soft focus to make sure I was aware of when everyone started moving into the circle. Learning about soft focus, vocabulary, and the exercises we did helped us to work together as an ensemble and be more aware of our surroundings/actions on stage.