Understanding Viewpoints

Since we have an upcoming Viewpoints: Next Step workshop, we thought it best to provide you with a bit of an introduction to the technique, and this Dramatics article has done a wonderful job of doing so. Do give it a read and feel welcome to ask us any questions about Viewpoints or our upcoming workshop. Enjoy!

---

Using observation and movement to make bold acting choices

Written by Tatum Hunter

DOES GOOD ACTING come from clear objectives? A strong backstory? Big emotions? Ask a performer who uses the Viewpoints method, and they might say you’re asking the wrong questions.

As a method of actor training, Viewpoints encourages actors to focus less on their characters’ psychology and more on observation and movement. Building your knowledge of different training approaches will help you understand what supports your best work. Following is an overview of the Viewpoints method and why so many theatre artists incorporate it in their process.

HOW DID VIEWPOINTS ORIGINATE?

While the Viewpoints have long been part of dance and theatre traditions across the world, choreographer Mary Overlie was the first person to use the term Viewpoints to refer to six integral elements of onstage performance: space, shape, time, emotion, movement, and story.