Dubbing
The performers on stage will have their dialogue supplied by performers offstage.
label
Handle, Voice
Element
Add to Workshop
description
How to Play Dubbing
Synonyms
Voice Over.
Introduction
The performers on stage will have their dialogue supplied by performers offstage.
Description
Two, or more, actors on stage will start a scene where they move their mouthes as if speaking, but the dialogue is supplied by another performer. It is helpful for the audience and the performers if the host sets up which performers are dubbing for who.
This is most successful when done with two pairs of performers working together to create a narrative like any other open scene. When one performer moves her mouth as if speaking she makes no noises, and an offstage performer paired with her speaks her dialogue instead.
The performers have to demonstrate exemplary listening skills. The performer doing the dubbing must immediately cease talking when the performer stops moving her mouth. It is recommended that the performers supplying the voices create ones that sound distinctly different.
There is some built in comedy if the voice over is out of synch, but it quickly becomes tiresome. The audience will appreciate well timed dubbing while telling a story adhering to some kind of narrative tool.
Gimmicks
- Extremities of action force voice over performers to explain.
- Extremities of dialogue force stage performers to react.
- Match a low status voice with a high status character
Variations
Reverse Dubbing – the dubbing performers cannot see the stage.
Cross Dubbing – the two actors on stage dub each other’s words.
Cross Dubbing – two performers supply dialogue for each other.
Low Budget Voice Over – One performer does all voices.
Translation Scene – On stage performers speak in gibberish and offstage performers translate.
Credits
- None.
account_treeVariations (4)
- Dubbing-Cross — Cross Dubbing is a technique where two performers work as a pair: one mouths words silently while the other speaks the dialogue. The voice performer must synchronize precisely and stop when the mouther stops. This requires strong listening and coordination, and is most effective when used with distinct voices and a clear narrative.
- Dubbing-Low Budget — Low Budget Voice Over is a dubbing handle where one performer provides the dialogue for all others on stage. The on-stage performers move their mouths as if speaking without making sounds, while the offstage performer supplies their lines. Successful execution requires strong listening skills and coordination to create a cohesive narrative.
- Dubbing-Reverse — In reverse dubbing, offstage performers supply dialogue for onstage performers, who must listen closely and move their mouths in sync with the dialogue. The offstage performers often do not watch the scene, and the onstage performers may perform actions disconnected from the dialogue. Successful execution requires clear assignment of roles and exemplary listening skills.
- Translation Scene — Onstage performers speak gibberish while offstage performers translate into coherent language.