More facts about acting

Acting takes a very observant person most of the time. They have to be very familiar with the actions, emotions and they way people portray them so that in the end, they can send the message they are trying to send, to the audience. Actors should be trained in voice, whether it be on stage or on camera so that they can act to the best of their ability.

In ancient Greece, acting was in a very large, out door theatre. There actors wore comical masks and padded clothing. However, in the Roman period, actors were slaves. The performances were low and the most popular dramatic form was what is known as, bored farce. A farce is a light, humorous play in which the plot depends on a skillfully exploited situation rather than upon the development of a character.

Then, during the Christian period in Rome, acting had almost disappeared. The only people hanging onto the unique art were those whom we know as; Mimes, Jugglers, and Acrobats who entertained at fairs and what not. Thanks to the religion, every move and jester an actor performed where made so that they could do such performances in churches.

In the 16th century, modern professional acting began with the Italian, "Commedia Dell'Arte". These actors played as what they called, "Stock characters". They improvised, convincing and entertaining situations from general outlines. These actors included:

• Arlecchino-The acrobat. Witty and Childlike. The most famous
• Arlechin Batocio- Lower level on the social scale
• Pantalone- Venetian merchant, rich and retired, mean and miserly. Has a young adventurous wife.
• II Dottore- The Doctor
• II Capitano- The Captain
• Scaramouche/Scarramuccia (More than one spelling)- Dressed in all black. He was the Robin Hood of his age.
• Zanni- As much as Harlequin. Is originaly from Bergamo.
• Pulcinella- Philosophical, enternally melancholic, dreamer. A character of his own.
• Brighella- Arlecchino's Crony
• Innamorta (Inamorato&Inamorata) They are the lovers.
• Isabella- The femal lover. Most known.
• La Servetta- The Servant
• Colmbina- What Isabella is not. She is free, insolent, a gossiper, and no slave to love bonds.
• Catarin and Ballerina- Usually only sang and danced here and there.

There are most likely some more but there are only a few site that are accessible that have all of the character.

Works Cited

Category. "Commedia dell'Arte - Italian Comedy - Stock Characters." Italian Language - Learn Italian - About Italian Language - Learn to Speak Italian. 18 Mar. 2009 .

Delpiano, Roberto. "Italian Comedy Commedia dell'Arte Servetta Soubrette Colombina." Photography Art Web Design Carnival Roberto Delpiano's website . 18 Mar. 2009 .

Fielding, Anne. "I Believe This About Acting by Anne Fielding." Aesthetic Realism Theatre Company in New York City. 18 Mar. 2009 .

Hammerton, J. A.. "acting – FREE acting Information Encyclopedia.com: Facts, Pictures, Information!." Encyclopedia - Online Dictionary Encyclopedia.com: Find Articles, Facts, Pictures, Video!. 18 Mar. 2009 .



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