A convention in which the members of a group use their bodies to make an image or picture capturing an idea, theme, or moment in time, also called a group sculpture or freeze-frame or still image.
What makes an effective tableau?
- Focus – each member of the group should be focused on the moment. No movement. No talking. Your freeze should last for
at least 5 seconds. - Expectation – the audience should want to know what is going to happen next. Make the scene exciting.
- Levels – levels will help establish power in a scene. Higher levels = higher status. Use different levels to establish a center for your tableau.
- Expression – use every part of the body to create the mood for your tableau. Don’t forget about facial expressions.
- Timing – make sure that the tableau is held long enough for the audience to absorb everything in the picture (a good suggestion is a minimum of 7 seconds). The timing of your tableaux can add to the mood you wish to create. All members of the group should break the tableau at the same time.
- Clarity – the object of a tableau is to show your audience something, not to make them guess what they are seeing. Make each tableau clear and understandable.
- Placement – be aware of your audience. Each part of your tableau should be visible to the audience. Make sure nothing is lost because you are hidden by another actor.
- Practice – rehearse what you are going to present and make sure that everyone knows what they are doing and where they are supposed to be.
What are transitions?
- Tableau presentations are usually made up of more than one image. This allows the audience to get a clearer picture of what you are saying. Transitions are the spaces between each individual tableau. Here are just a few suggestions for transitions:
- A complete break from character and purposeful movement into the next pose.
- Slow-motion movement into the next pose.
- Blackout (not recommended)
- Add and subtract – remove one part of the tableau at a time adding a new element to the scene.
