Excerpts from "Rules for Actors" (1803, 1824)
35. First of all, the player must consider that he should not only imitate nature but also portray it ideally, thereby, in his presentation, uniting the true with the beautiful.
36. Therefore the actor must have complete control over each part of his body so that he may be, able to use each limb freely, harmonically, and gracefully, in accord with the expression called for.
37. The body should be carried in the following manner: the chest up, the upper half of the arms to the elbows somewhat close to the torso, the head slightly turned toward the person to whom one is speaking. But this should be done only slightly so that three quarters of the face is always turned to the audience.
38. For the actor must always remember that he is on the stage for the sake of the audience.
39. Nor should actors play to each other as if no third person were present. This would be a case of misunderstood naturalness. They should never act in profile nor turn their backs to the spectators. If it is done in the interest of the characterization or out of necessity, then let it be done with discernment and grace.
40. One should also take care never to speak in an upstage direction, but always toward the audience. For the actor must always be conscious of two elements, namely, of the person with whom he is engaged in conversation, and of the spectators. Rather than turn the head completely, the eyes should be moved.
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