Page 29 - Year 8 Knowledge Organiser

Drama: 4 of 6 Drama: 5 of 6

Physical Theatre

What does it mean to work as an What skills are important when 1. Overview 2. Physical Theatre exercises 3. Style

ensemble? working as an ensemble? Physical theatre is a contemporary style There are many types of games and activities When performing physical theatre, you need to
of performance which relies heavily on
we use in Drama, to train our bodies and help
use all your movement acting skills – e.g.
physicality, movement and ensemble. us become an effective ensemble. mime, gesture, facial expression, body language
You will learn the techniques developed etc.
An ensemble is a group of performers who perform Teamwork is one of the most important skills when by Frantic Assembly Theatre Company. Stop and Go/Traffic Lights:
This is about being able to start moving as a
together instead of performing as individuals. working as an ensemble, learning how to work Key Words class and stop at the same time as More advanced Physical Theatre skills include
lifting, carrying, building shape and physical
with others toward the same goal. everyone else. It is then built up with objects and balance. The objective is to tell
It is an approach to acting achieved by all members Physical Theatre – A type of performance additional actions like clapping, jumping, stories physically, but you will also use dialogue
sitting, hi-fiving etc. The objective of this
that includes a lot of physical movement.
of a cast working together on the play, rather than Communication skills are also essential when activity is to get everyone to respond together and narration.
emphasizing individual performances. working collaboratively as an ensemble, this is Ensemble – Group of actors who perform (in unison) Some physical theatre companies also use

because you need to ensure you are actively together. Flocking: other drama elements in their performances
listening to each other and you are also able to Unison – Doing the same actions as a This exercise is like follow the leader. The e.g. visual art, puppetry, video and
music. Frantic Assembly Theatre Company use
offer you own ideas to the group, whilst listening to group, at the same time. performer at the front of a group leads the a lot of music - especially dance music to give

the needs of each performer in the group e.g. an Motif – A repeated pattern—an image, others. If the person turns, everyone else scenes energy.
must, and the person who is now at the front
injury. sound, word, or symbol that comes back leads the group. It is a technique used in

again and again within a particular story. ballet.

PUSH Theatre Company, USA
Zen Zen Zo, Australia

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures Company, UK