Television Exercise

Exercise Beginner 10 min 4–10

Description

In this exercise, players perform a scene including a director, cameraman, and actors. The director casts actors and provides them with a simple scene to enact, lasting no more than three or four minutes.

The cameraman simulates a camera using a spotlight, adjusting the light to indicate different shots. The light serves as the camera's eye for audience feedback during performances.

Setup Requirements

A large theater spotlight, photographer’s floodlight, or flashlight for the camera. Batteries and wires to simulate a microphone and earphone are optional.

Point of Concentration

Understanding camera shots and direction following.

Side Coaching

Encourage actors to take direction from the director.
Remind the cameraman to consider shot variety.
Discuss basic camera shots: long shot, medium shot, close-up.

Points of Observation

Watch how well actors follow the director's cues.
Evaluate the cameraman's choice of shots.
Notice the flow and coherence of the scene.

Evaluation

Did the actors follow the director's instructions?
Did the cameraman capture interesting and clear shots?
How could shot clarity be improved?

Examples

Example scene: A family is at dinner. The little girl refuses to eat her spinach, and the parents use various tactics to persuade her. The scene concludes when she finally eats the spinach.