Closed Postures

Definition

Closed postures refer to body language positions that communicate defensiveness, discomfort, or a lack of openness. These postures often include crossed arms, hunched shoulders, and legs positioned tightly together, signaling to others that the individual may be emotionally or physically withdrawn. In performance, these postures can significantly impact non-verbal communication and character interpretation, conveying a character's inner feelings and conflicts without the use of words.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Closed postures can create a barrier between characters on stage, affecting audience perception and engagement.
2. Actors may use closed postures to portray vulnerability or inner turmoil, enhancing the depth of their characters.
3. In contrast to open postures, closed postures can evoke empathy from the audience as they signal distress or conflict.
4. Closed postures can be intentional choices made by actors to reflect a character's emotional state or background.
5. Recognizing closed postures in others can help actors adjust their performances to better convey relational dynamics between characters.

Review Questions

• How do closed postures affect the audience's perception of a character's emotional state?
  • Closed postures tend to evoke feelings of defensiveness or discomfort in characters. When actors adopt these positions on stage, it communicates a sense of emotional withdrawal or conflict, which can lead the audience to empathize with the character's struggles. This non-verbal cue is essential in shaping how the audience connects with the character and interprets their experiences throughout the performance.
• In what ways can an actor effectively use closed postures to enhance their portrayal of vulnerability in a character?
  • Actors can employ closed postures strategically to highlight a character's vulnerability by crossing their arms or hunching their shoulders. This physicality signals to the audience that the character is feeling exposed or insecure. By combining these postures with subtle facial expressions or shifts in eye contact, actors can create a powerful depiction of inner turmoil that resonates deeply with viewers.
• Evaluate the importance of balancing closed and open postures in an actor's performance for effective storytelling.
  • Balancing closed and open postures is crucial for conveying complex character arcs and relationships. An actor who utilizes both types of body language can depict transformation and growth effectively; for instance, starting with closed postures to represent fear or isolation before transitioning to open ones as the character finds strength or connection. This shift not only enhances the storytelling but also allows the audience to witness the evolution of the character in a more impactful way.

Related terms

Open Postures:

Body language positions that convey openness, confidence, and approachability, such as uncrossed arms and relaxed shoulders.

Non-Verbal Cues: The signals we send through body language, facial expressions, and gestures that communicate feelings or intentions without words.

Physicality:

The way an actor uses their body to express character traits and emotions, often involving posture, movement, and gestures.