The system: Given Circumstances
As part of Stanislavski's system the importance of an actor's consideration and analysis of the Given Circumstances is prioritized as an essential part of their rehearsal process.
What are the given circumstances?
They are all the facts within the script that an actor must take into account as he or she creates a character. What factual information has the playwright given the actor about his character?
The following information is often included in the text:
Place, Time, Setting, Character's Words, Stage Directions, Props...
Actors must engage fully with the facts and events that are detailed in the script as these factors affect the way the characters think and behave, and their ways of relating to each other.
Now you have finished reading your script, please use the following questions to guide you in creating your character's given circumstances. Please record your responses in your journal.
1. Where am I?
Where is the play set?
2. When am I?
What year does the action take place? What is the time of day? In which season?
3. What is the social class of each character?
4. What is the relationship between the characters?
5. What is the emotional state of each character?
Although I do not expect as much detail as is included in this example of an actor's given circumstances, I thought that this may inspire you.
The following information is often included in the text:
Place, Time, Setting, Character's Words, Stage Directions, Props...
Actors must engage fully with the facts and events that are detailed in the script as these factors affect the way the characters think and behave, and their ways of relating to each other.
Now you have finished reading your script, please use the following questions to guide you in creating your character's given circumstances. Please record your responses in your journal.
1. Where am I?
Where is the play set?
2. When am I?
What year does the action take place? What is the time of day? In which season?
3. What is the social class of each character?
4. What is the relationship between the characters?
5. What is the emotional state of each character?
Although I do not expect as much detail as is included in this example of an actor's given circumstances, I thought that this may inspire you.