The Physics of Theatre

[plumtreeblossom]

For my final physics presentation (summer semester's almost over!) we are asked to present about the roles that physics play in some aspect of our lives, so I'm doing the physics of theatre. We know, of course, that physics touch absolutely everything in the physical world, and theatre is no exception. Still, I'm having to dig to come up with 5 or 6 examples that will go well in a PowerPoint.

Some possible ideas I have are: showing how gels allow stage lights (which are all white without gels) to appear to us as different colors, talking about how casters on set pieces change how much force is needed to move the set pieces, perhaps something about pulleys? Totally open to other ideas.

So far it's all backstage stuff, and what I haven't come up with is a way to show physics as they relate to actors. Yeah, I know that gravity keeps them from floating off the stage, but that's boring. I would like it to have swords or big movement in it. Any ideas, my science/theatre geek friends?

Comments

[desireearmfeldt]

Hm, a lot of physicality on stage is kind of about faking physics -- like, in stage combat, you create the illusion of using more force than you're actually using, striking when you're not striking, etc.... Issues of sound volume and acoustics (reaching the back row without shouting)? Um... Hard to come up with examples, actually...

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Oooh, we even talked about stage slaps in class! Rolling your head with the slap minimizes the impact. And I forget what law of physics covers that, but I can look it up!