4 Unique Styles of Theatre Every Aspiring Actor Should Learn

ByBarry John Acting Studio

A theatre is also known as an ancient art form. In the absence of customers and performers, it is depreciating on a timely basis. An actor should learn the unique and awesome styles of theatre. Several acting workshops/schools are providing classes to maintain the tradition of theatre. Students can enhance their skills and talents by joining these classes. Here are 4 unique styles of theatre that you should learn if you are an aspiring actor:

1) Commedia Dell’arte (Italy)

This unique style of theatre is also known as ‘comedy of art’ or ‘comedy of the profession’. This art was established in Italy first. In this art, an unwritten or improvised drama is performed on the stage. It is a type of silent show/drama that does not include any dialogue to express the story. Here are 6 types of body movements uses in this art:

  • Otkaz: – It is the first step to prepare your body to perform on the stage. 

  • Posyl: – In this step, an actor starts moving towards the selected point. In other words, this motion includes the movements of an actor to the assigned location or area.

  • Tochka and Stoika: – It is also known as the end of the movement. When movement comes to an exact end then this type of art is performed.

  • Tormoz: – It is a step to slow down the movement of the body naturally. However, it is performed just before the end of the movement.

  • Pauza: – This is also called ‘Pause between movements”. It comes into existence before doing the next action/movement.

2) Zen Zen Zo (Japan)

In Japan, most of you are aware of Noh & Kabuki. These two elements are the famous and effective theatre style of Japan. Due to advanced technology, this oldest form of Japanese theatre is converted into a new and unique form. It is known as the ‘Suzuki Method of Actor Training’. This modern theatre:

  • Helps to create and develop the mental awareness of the actor’s body. It mainly concentrates on the centre of the body.

  • Also, provide several methods of movement by maintaining the balance of the body with the centre.

  • Mainly concentrate to achieve the goal by having total control over the movements of the body. However, one can also learn filmmaking by contact with the best filmmaking institute in India.

3) Chinese Opera (China)

No one can forget the Chinese theatre at this point. This art form is well known as Chinese opera. To express the story, the actor uses colourful dresses/costumes along with make-up. Here are some important points of this type of style:

  • Chinese opera also includes music that is played from Er Hu or bamboo flute (traditional instruments).

  • The different thing in Chinese opera is it includes martial arts along with acrobatics during the performance.

  • This art/style also includes drama along with music to entertain the people. However, you can also learn filmmaking courses in India. Usually, you can gain such or similar skills through a film direction course in Mumbai. 

4) Sanskrit Theatre (Indian)

This type of theatre style does include the Sanskrit language in drama/show. In this theatre, various elements included dance, acting, music, make-up, costuming, and construction of drama along architecture. It also helps to:

  • Entertain the people with awesome and best performances by actors.

  • Provide essential education to the people through skilled actors/actresses.

  • Provide a platform for beginners in the career of acting.

Conclusion

The above niche styles are so important to learn for an actor/actress. These styles are best to provide the best skills to beginners. It is essential to know these traditional styles of theatre. One can make differences between the oldest and newest form of theatre.