Question 1: Describe how you would use your body to portray a character feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Include specific physical gestures or postures.

Answer: A character feeling overwhelmed might have hunched shoulders, fidgeting hands, trembling movements, or avoid eye contact, with tense posture and rapid, small gestures.

Question 2: List three physical skills that are important for creating convincing character movements and briefly explain their purpose.

Answer: Balance (maintaining stability), coordination (synchronizing movements), and control (executing precise gestures) help make character actions believable and expressive.

Question 3: Explain the importance of spatial awareness in physical theatre performance. How can a performer improve their spatial awareness?

Answer: Spatial awareness allows performers to use the stage effectively, avoid collisions, and interact convincingly with others. Improvement can come from exercises like mirror work, movement around the space, and awareness drills.

Question 4: Perform a physical warm-up routine suitable for preparing your body before a performance. List at least three exercises you would include.

Answer: Neck rolls to loosen shoulders, shoulder stretches, gentle jogging or jumping jacks to increase circulation, and stretching of the legs and back.

Question 5: Draw a simple diagram showing a performer using levels to create visual interest on stage. Indicate high, medium, and low levels with brief notes.

Answer: A sketch with three stick figures: one standing tall (high level), one crouching or kneeling (low level), and one in a mid-crouch or seated position (medium level). Notes should specify 'high level', 'medium level', and 'low level'.

Question 6: Describe a physical activity or exercise that can help improve coordination between different parts of the body during movement.

Answer: Activities like mirror drills, where a partner copies your movements, or practicing sequences like walking while swinging arms and moving legs in sync, help improve coordination.

Question 7: Identify and explain two ways a performer can use their physicality to convey a character’s emotional state without words.

Answer: Posture changes, such as slumping for sadness or standing upright for confidence; facial expressions combined with gestures, like clenched fists to show anger or open arms to indicate openness.

Question 8: Sketch a sequence of three movements that demonstrate the use of gesture to express a character’s surprise. Include a brief description of each gesture.

Answer: A sketch showing: 1) Hands raised near the face with palms open to indicate shock; 2) A step backward with arms slightly raised; 3) Mouth open with eyes wide. Descriptions should specify the gestures and their emotional meaning.

Question 9: Explain the concept of 'body language' in physical theatre and give two examples of how it can be used to communicate a story or emotion.

Answer: 'Body language' involves using physical movements and gestures to express feelings or narrative without spoken words. Examples include slumped shoulders to show sadness or energetic jumping to show excitement.

Question 10: Identify a physical skill that is essential for maintaining focus and spatial awareness during a group scene. Explain why.

Answer: Concentration is essential to stay aware of others’ movements and positions, ensuring timing and spacing are correct to create a cohesive group performance.