In drama, stance refers to the attitude of the position the actor's body is in. It's a fundamental element of physical performance, communicating character traits, emotions, and intentions visually to the audience.
Understanding Stance in Performance
Stance is more than just standing; it's the specific posture, alignment, and bearing an actor adopts. This physical choice conveys psychological or emotional states, contributing significantly to character development and storytelling without relying solely on dialogue.
According to the provided reference, "Stance The attitude of the position the actors body is in." This highlights that stance connects the physical form (position) with the internal state (attitude).
Key Aspects of Stance
Stance can be analyzed and utilized through several lenses:
- Body Alignment: The way the spine, shoulders, hips, and head are held.
- Weight Distribution: How the actor balances their weight on their feet (e.g., leaning forward, back, or centered).
- Muscle Tension: The level of tightness or relaxation in the body.
- Direction: The way the actor's body is oriented towards other characters, objects, or the audience.
How Stance Communicates
| Stance Element | Potential Communication (Example) |
|---|---|
| Erect Posture | Confidence, authority, rigidity |
| Slumped Shoulders | Sadness, defeat, weariness |
| Leaning Forward | Eagerness, aggression, interest |
| Pulled Back | Fear, defensiveness, reluctance |
| Wide Base | Stability, power, defiance |
| Narrow Base | Instability, nervousness, fragility |
Practical Application
Actors consciously choose their stance to embody their characters effectively. For example:
- A villain might adopt a wide, imposing stance with shoulders back.
- A timid character might stand with a slight slump, weight shifted back, and arms held close.
- An enthusiastic character might lean forward with an open posture.
Stance works in conjunction with other physical elements like gesture, movement, timing, and the use of levels (high, mid, low positions) to create a complete physical portrayal. Mastering stance allows actors to build believable and expressive characters.
