The Use of Stanislavskis Ideas to Guide Actors During the Rehearsal Process :: Konstantin Stanislavski Acting Theatre Essays

The Use of Stanislavski's Ideas to Guide Actors During the Rehearsal Process Stanislavski's ideas on relaxation, concentration of attention and tempo-rhythm went into great detail. He had very distinct, yet simple to follow ideas on each three, which actors still use and study to this day. Stanislavski dwelled on concentration of attention to a great extent. The use of attention when playing a role was considered very important. Concentrating on the attention was a skill that came from practise and focus, beginning in rehearsal and continuing into the final performance. The theory of concentration of attention is being able to concentrate on a particular part of the scene, which could be an object, a physical move or listening to the speech. This allows the actor to concentrate on the part of the play and know what is going on and happening around him, so there are no free moments. This means that each performance is similar, as the same objects of attention will aid the same actions, movements and speech. It keeps the performance consistent. Taking the theory of concentration a step further, Stanislavski devised the 'circles of attention'. This was where an actor would create a 'circle' in his or her own performance where they would devote their entire attention. Anything outside the circle would cease to exist. This would mean the performance would be totally dedicated, without any disruption from anything else, like a noise from the audience, or anything out of the ordinary. Not all performances allow for this approach to attention, as some may require the need to monitor the audience and connect with them. This would be the case when a speech is delivered directly to the audience. Or in the case of a comedy, an actor needs to observe the audience reaction and alter the performance. This is where concentration of attention becomes more complex. A performer must be able to split the mind into two. The first part being committed to the act, the second being able to take into account any external conditions. As a director, the use of concentration of attention is important to allow the performers to act at their best ability. The relevant use of concentration would be essential. For instance, when playing a singular, solitary part, like that of Davoren at times in 'The Shadow of a Gunman', the use of circles of attention would be very useful. Sitting at his typewriter, attempting to write poetry, he has no interaction with any other characters, and requires no audience response. Therefore, he can devote his entire concentration into the role and the scene around himself. However, if playing the role Mrs.