What is Lecoq known for?

Jacques Lecoq (Born in Paris; 15 December 1921 – 19 January 1999), was a French stage actor and acting movement coach. He was best known for his teaching methods in physical theatre, movement, and mime which he taught at the school he founded in Paris known as École internationale de théâtre Jacques Lecoq.

What is the Lecoq method?

One of the great techniques for actors, Jacques Lecoq’s method focuses on physicality and movement. Lecoq himself believed in the importance of freedom and creativity from his students, giving an actor the confidence to creatively express themselves, rather than being bogged down by stringent rules.

What are the 7 levels of tension?

Seven Levels of Tension

  • Exhausted or catatonic. The Jellyfish.
  • Laid back – the “Californian” (soap opera).
  • Neutral or the “Economic” (contemporary dance).
  • Alert or Curious (farce).
  • Suspense or the Reactive (19th century melodrama).
  • Passionate (opera).
  • Tragic (end of King Lear when Lear is holding Cordelia in his arms).

What is the neutral mask?

The neutral mask is a learning mask, which is not designed to be used on stage. Unlike expressive masks, the neutral mask does not express a specific character. He represents a generic character, without internal conflict, but able to express all the diversity of our emotions.

Why did Lecoq use masks?

Lecoq saw the mask as a tool to distance the actor from a false naturalism, allowing them to explore the grotesque or the real. The core was that the performer was to remain conscious of their very nature that they were performing.

Why is it called downstage?

The term downstage originates from when stages were sloped or raked downwards towards the audience to improve sightlines .

Who invented neutral mask?

The neutral mask is a phenomenal tool to develop presence in the performer & bring awareness to what we communicate through body posture. Created by Jacques Lecoq & Amleto Sartori, the neutral masks (one male & one female) are leather masks designed to show all emotions of the human being.

What’s the difference between upstage and downstage?

If a performer walks towards the front of the stage, approaching the audience, this area is referred to as downstage, and the opposite area of the stage further away from the audience is called upstage.