"In theatre, blocking is the precise staging of actors to facilitate the performance of a play, ballet, film or opera."
The planning and staging of movements and positions for actors and objects on a set or stage to create a visually compelling and meaningful scene.
Introduction to blocking: An overview of what blocking is in theatre and film, and its importance in creating a cohesive performance.
Staging: The placement and movement of actors on stage or in a scene, including the use of blocking diagrams and floor plans.
Character motivation: Understanding the reasons why a character moves or behaves a certain way, and how this affects their blocking.
Pacing: The rhythm and timing of a scene or performance, and how blocking can be used to control the pace.
Camera blocking: The placement and movement of actors in relation to the camera, and how this affects the visual storytelling of a film.
Composition: The arrangement of actors and objects in a scene, and how this affects the overall aesthetic and message of a performance.
Rehearsal techniques: Methods for working with actors during the rehearsal process to develop effective blocking and staging.
Collaboration: The importance of working closely with other members of the creative team, including the writer, cinematographer and set designer, to ensure a cohesive vision.
Movement techniques: Strategies for coaching actors through physical movements and choreography, such as dance or fight scenes.
Subtext: The underlying emotions and motivations that drive a scene or performance, and how blocking can be used to convey these subtleties.
Lighting: The way that lighting affects the visual aspects of blocking, and how blocking can be used to take advantage of different lighting setups.
Sound: The impact of sound on a performance, and how blocking can be used to create effective soundscapes.
Adaptation: Techniques for adapting blocking to different performance spaces or situations, such as outdoor performances or site-specific theatre.
Editing: The post-production process of editing and rearranging footage or scenes, and how blocking can be used to aid in this process.
Continuity: The importance of maintaining consistency in blocking and staging across multiple takes or scenes, and how this can affect the final product.
High block: Blocking a strike or attack that is aimed toward the upper part of the body.
Low block: Blocking a strike or attack that is aimed toward the lower part of the body.
Inside block: A block that deflects an attack to the inside of the opponent's body.
Outside block: A block that deflects an attack to the outside of the opponent's body.
Upward block: A block that deflects an attack upward.
Downward block: A block that deflects an attack downward.
Circular block: A block that deflects an attack in a circular motion to avoid a direct impact.
Cross block: A block that intercepts an attack with both arms crossing each other.
Knifehand block: A block executed with the knifehand (karate chop) against an incoming attack.
Palm block: A block executed with the palm of the hand against an incoming attack.
Elbow block: A block using the elbow to intercept or deflect an incoming attack.
Shoulder block: A block that uses the shoulder to push or deflect an opponent's attack.
Step block: A blocking technique that involves simultaneously stepping forward and blocking the opponent's attack.
X block: A block in which the arms cross in an "X" shape to intercept an incoming attack.
Obstruction block: A block that obstructs or jams the opponent's attack before it can reach its intended target.
Turning block: A block that involves turning the body to deflect an attack from a different angle.
Parrying block: A block that involves redirecting the force of an opponent's attack to a different direction.
Sweeping block: A block that involves sweeping the opponent's attack out of the way with a circular motion.
"Historically, the expectations of staging/blocking have changed substantially over time in Western theater."
"Prior to the movements toward 'realism' that occurred in the 19th century, most staging used a 'tableau' approach."
"...a stage picture was established whenever characters entered or left the stage, ensuring that leading performers were always shown to their best advantage."
"...there have been changing cultural expectations that have made blocking/staging more complicated."
"...a director or performer can establish or change the significance of a scene."
"Different artistic principles can inform blocking, including minimalism and naturalism."
"...blocking is the precise staging of actors to facilitate the performance of a play, ballet, film or opera."
"Ensuring that leading performers were always shown to their best advantage."
"The movements toward 'realism' that occurred in the 19th century."
"Changing cultural expectations that have made blocking/staging more complicated."
"...to facilitate the performance of a play, ballet, film or opera."
"...through careful use of positioning on the stage, a director or performer can establish or change the significance of a scene."
"Different artistic principles can inform blocking, including minimalism and naturalism."
"...blocking is crucial."
"Historically, the expectations of staging/blocking have changed substantially over time in Western theater."
"...a stage picture was established whenever characters entered or left the stage."
"Ensuring that leading performers were always shown to their best advantage."
"...a director or performer can establish or change the significance of a scene."
"...to facilitate the performance of a play, ballet, film or opera."