What is tempo-rhythm? Tempo is defined as the speed or the pace of something. Rhythm is defined as the regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound. In other words, rhythm is the relationships between the parts, which make them equally spaced and regular or unequally spaced and syncopated. So tempo-rhythm is the speed and beat of a person, place, or thing.
Understand that every person has his or her own basic tempo-rhythm. It is an essential element of who we are. Since it is difficult to recognize things in ourselves, think about a particular friend. What is her pace and is it steady or does it move with syncopation? Is this person slow and unruffled like a golden retriever or is she quick and jumpy like toy poodle? And how does this person’s tempo-rhythm change in different situations?
Now think about yourself. What is your basic tempo-rhythm? How would people describe you? Are you staid and serious or jumpy and nervous? Are you slow paced and industrious or fast and unfocussed? Once you have a sense about your own tempo-rhythm, you are ready to think about a character.
When you prepare for a role, define the character’s tempo-rhythm. How does this character move, react, and respond? You will get a sense of it from the lines. The language the character speaks and their behavior will help you to define their tempo-rhythm. It is likely that one of the reasons you were cast is that your personal tempo-rhythm fit the role. Even if that is the case, be sure to recognize that the character’s tempo-rhythm will change in different situations and in response to tonal or emotional shifts in the script.
Tempo-rhythm defines the character’s pace and cadence and has an affect on movement, emotions, motivations, and thought processes. It is in all people and all things and impacts everything your character says and does. So be sure that as you develop your character you pay close attention to recognizing and defining the tempo-rhythm and how it changes in response to conflicts and other characters.
Eric Barr. All rights reserved
