Student Response Journal

#3

Andrew Beck

Per.7 5/26/99

Mr. Luizzi

The classic Shakespearean method of writing certain parts of a play for certain actors enables the acting company to bring something new to the stage. This method allows writer to write a part that focus’ on the actors strengths while not displaying his weakness’. This is a team effort on both the writer and performer’s part. This is an advantage for both the audience and the acting company, for now the company can give a better performance and the audience will have a more entertaining night. For example, if the a particular part called for a very strong and powerful man, the part would not be given to the smallest and weakest performer. Also, because performers usually owned a portion of the company and stayed with the company that they started with for the rest of their career, the writers will know the performer and his strong points very well Unlike movies, a play seems and is more spontaneous, allowing for a very fresher performance. Much less preparation time is given. For a play, during Shakespearean times, only a small amount of time would be spent preparing for a part and different plays would be performed daily. It is said that a company might perform as many as 11 different plays on 11 consecutive days. Yet, this tool has been employed recently for contemporary movies and plays. For example, the fine British actor, Sean Connery, has had many parts written for him that play off his very articulate style of acting. This can prove to be a very effective tool at bringing out the best possible performance in a performer.