The use of games in actor training: Barker and Spolin compared.

Abstract

This thesis explores the use of theater games and play in actor training as postulated by Viola Spolin and Clive Barker, both experts in this field. Play is a natural educational process involving behavior modification on a subconscious level. Play, implemented as games, is used to explore inhibitions in safe situations, build new skills, and instill a theatrical sense. This thesis explores the differing approaches each author takes to the games process and the theories and intents each has developed to facilitate their work. The role of the leader and the evaluation process is also covered. Each author has targeted his work to a different level of actor. Viola Spolin is concerned with the beginning acting student. Her system works to give the actor an understanding of theatre and how to bring the parts together. Performance is the communication of action to an audience. and the actor can be taught this skill through the physicalization of action. Barker deals with the more experienced actor. His use of games is concerned with realizing the actor's individual problems and using games which will solve these problems. The works of Spolin and Barker stand as individual approaches to games use. Taken together they provide substantial understanding of the potential and problems of using theatre games in actor training.