7 Levels of Tension
Level 1: Catatonic
Melting through the ground.
Level 2: Californian
Shuffling about, vision blurred, yawning, moving slowly.
Level 3: Neutral / Economic
get things done, head up, not tired any longer.
Level 4: Alert
Alert: moving faster, multi-tasking, clear with your body, not making mistakes - little bit of adrenaline, spatially aware, alert and vital.
Level 5: Suspense
Running late for the airport - panic in your body. If you see someone in this state, you avoid them
Level 6: Passionate
Attacked by a swarm of bees. Running to burning building to save a child.
Level 7: Tragic Catatonic
Tense all your muscles. Pre-death - everything is tense - eyes are tense.
Melting through the ground.
Level 2: Californian
Shuffling about, vision blurred, yawning, moving slowly.
Level 3: Neutral / Economic
get things done, head up, not tired any longer.
Level 4: Alert
Alert: moving faster, multi-tasking, clear with your body, not making mistakes - little bit of adrenaline, spatially aware, alert and vital.
Level 5: Suspense
Running late for the airport - panic in your body. If you see someone in this state, you avoid them
Level 6: Passionate
Attacked by a swarm of bees. Running to burning building to save a child.
Level 7: Tragic Catatonic
Tense all your muscles. Pre-death - everything is tense - eyes are tense.
Performance Requirements
- All characters must go through a few levels of tension.
- The 7 Levels of tension must be present in your performance.
- Increase and decrease rhythm in your performance. Make this work with your levels of tension.
- Explore silent moments in your scene - silent moments can increase tension and be powerful on stage.