The Meaning Of Business In The Theatrical Process

Hey theater enthusiasts! Ever wondered about the little things that bring a play to life? We're diving deep into the world of theater to explore a term that might sound like it belongs in a boardroom, but is actually a crucial part of any stage production: "business." So, what exactly does "business" mean in the theatrical process? Let's break it down, guys.

Understanding "Business" in Theater: More Than Just Selling Tickets

When we talk about business in the context of theater, we're not referring to the financial side of things, like selling tickets or managing the budget. While those aspects are undoubtedly important for any successful production, the term "business" in theater has a much more specific and artistic meaning. It's about the small-scale movements and actions a character performs on stage. Think of it as the subtle, yet significant, details that add depth and realism to a performance. These actions, often seemingly minor, can reveal a character's personality, emotions, and relationships with other characters. Business is what makes a performance feel alive and believable, drawing the audience into the world of the play.

Imagine a scene where a character is anxiously awaiting news. The actor might fidget with their hands, pace back and forth, or repeatedly check their watch. These are all examples of business. They're not explicitly written into the script, but they're added by the actor and director to enhance the character's portrayal and create a more compelling scene. The business might also include using props in a specific way, such as nervously twirling a pen or thoughtfully sipping a cup of tea. These small actions can speak volumes, adding layers of meaning that words alone cannot convey. A skilled actor uses business to communicate the subtext of a scene, revealing what a character is thinking and feeling beneath the surface. The use of business also helps to create a sense of realism on stage. By performing everyday actions, actors make their characters more relatable and believable to the audience. This can be particularly important in naturalistic plays, where the goal is to create a slice of life on stage. Think about a play set in a bustling office. The actors might engage in various business, such as answering phones, typing on computers, shuffling papers, and holding brief conversations. These actions help to create the atmosphere of a busy workplace and make the scene feel more authentic. Moreover, effective business can also enhance the visual storytelling of a play. A well-chosen action can draw the audience's eye to a particular character or object, highlighting its importance in the scene. For example, a character might carefully polish a cherished heirloom, revealing its significance to their past. Or, a character might nervously clutch a letter, hinting at the secrets it contains. These visual cues add another layer of meaning to the performance, engaging the audience on a deeper level. The process of developing business is often a collaborative one, involving the actor, the director, and sometimes even the playwright. The actor might experiment with different actions, trying to find the ones that best fit the character and the scene. The director provides guidance and feedback, helping the actor to refine their choices. And the playwright, if available, might offer insights into the character's motivations and intentions. Ultimately, the goal is to create a cohesive and meaningful performance, where every action serves a purpose. So, the next time you're watching a play, pay close attention to the business. Notice the small movements and actions that the actors are performing. See how they add depth, realism, and meaning to the story. You might be surprised at how much these seemingly minor details can enhance your experience of the play.

Examples of Business in Action

To really grasp the concept, let's look at some specific examples. Imagine a scene where a character is lying to another character. The actor might use business like avoiding eye contact, fidgeting with their clothing, or speaking too quickly. These actions betray the character's discomfort and reveal their deception to the audience. Or consider a scene where two characters are in love. The actors might use business like exchanging lingering glances, gently touching each other's arms, or sharing a private smile. These actions convey the characters' affection and create a sense of intimacy on stage. The key is that the business should be organic and motivated by the character's inner life. It shouldn't feel forced or artificial, but rather a natural expression of their thoughts and emotions. The actor must find the justification for each action, understanding why the character would behave in that particular way. This requires careful analysis of the script, as well as a deep understanding of the character's background, motivations, and relationships. A skilled actor will use business to create a fully realized character, one that feels authentic and believable. They will also vary their business throughout the play, avoiding repetition and keeping the performance fresh and engaging. The business might change depending on the character's emotional state, the setting, and the other characters in the scene. This requires a high level of concentration and flexibility on the part of the actor. In addition to individual business, there is also such a thing as group business. This refers to the actions that a group of actors perform together, such as a crowd scene or a dance number. Group business can be used to create a sense of energy, chaos, or harmony on stage. It can also be used to highlight the dynamics between different groups of characters. For example, a group of soldiers might march in unison, conveying their discipline and unity. Or a group of dancers might perform a synchronized routine, expressing their joy and celebration. Effective group business requires careful coordination and timing. The actors must work together seamlessly, creating a unified and believable ensemble. The director plays a crucial role in shaping group business, guiding the actors to create the desired effect. The use of business is not limited to realistic plays. It can also be used in more stylized or abstract productions. In these cases, the business might be less literal and more symbolic, serving to convey a particular mood or theme. For example, a character might perform a repetitive action, such as pacing in circles, to suggest their anxiety or confinement. Or a character might use a prop in an unconventional way, such as wielding a broom as a weapon, to express their anger or frustration. In these situations, the business becomes a form of visual poetry, adding layers of meaning to the performance.

The Importance of Business in Creating Believable Characters

So, why is business so important in theater? Because it's a fundamental tool for actors to create believable and engaging characters. Without business, performances can feel flat and lifeless. The characters might speak the words, but they don't seem to be truly alive. Business adds the spark of humanity, making the characters relatable and sympathetic to the audience. It's the little things that make a big difference, guys. It helps to create a three-dimensional character that the audience can connect with on an emotional level. By observing the character's actions, the audience gains insight into their personality, motivations, and relationships. This can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the play as a whole. The use of business also allows the actor to express themselves creatively. It gives them the opportunity to add their own interpretation to the role, making it unique and personal. The actor can use business to explore the character's inner life, revealing their thoughts and feelings through their actions. This can be a very rewarding experience for both the actor and the audience. The director also plays a crucial role in helping the actor to develop effective business. The director provides guidance and feedback, helping the actor to make choices that are appropriate for the character and the scene. The director may also suggest specific actions that the actor can use to enhance their performance. The collaboration between the actor and the director is essential for creating a cohesive and compelling performance. The effective use of business can also help to overcome challenges in the script. For example, if a scene is poorly written or lacks dramatic tension, the actor can use business to add interest and excitement. The business can help to fill in the gaps in the script, creating a more engaging and believable scene. Similarly, if a character is underdeveloped, the actor can use business to add depth and complexity. The business can help to reveal the character's hidden emotions and motivations, making them more relatable to the audience. In addition to enhancing individual performances, business can also contribute to the overall impact of the play. The business can be used to create a particular mood or atmosphere, drawing the audience into the world of the play. It can also be used to highlight key themes and ideas, reinforcing the message of the play. The effective use of business can transform a good play into a great one, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

In Conclusion: Business is the Heartbeat of a Performance

So, to recap, in the theatrical process, business refers to the small-scale movements and actions a character performs. It's the fidgeting, the pacing, the subtle gestures that bring a character to life. It's not about selling tickets; it's about creating a believable and engaging performance. It is the heartbeat of the play, pumping life and realism into the characters and the story. It's the art of the subtle, the power of the unspoken, and the magic that happens when an actor truly embodies their role. Keep an eye out for it next time you're at the theater – you might just be surprised at how much it adds to the experience!