Introduction
Can You Keep a Straight Face?
In the art of theatre, as an actor, it's difficult at times to resist the temptation of cracking a smile mid scene. At points maybe your partner forgets a line or maybe the scene is just hilarious! However, it's important for an actor to make the performance as believable as possible. Here are two important terms that help create believability in a performance.
The Fourth Wall
The forth wall is the pretend line that separates the world of character from the audience. This concept keeps performers from talking directly to their audience and recognizing them. Actors must not break the forth wall if they want to keep the story believable, but sometimes this fourth wall can be "broken." Talking directly to the audience or becoming aware of the fictional character you are playing is called breaking the fourth wall. There are occassions where plays, films, or television shows will break this fourth wall.
Willing Suspension of Disbelief
The suspension of disbelief is a very important element in acting and storytelling. This is where the audience becomes emotionally invested in the story even when they know what's happening is not real. The performance draws in the audience to the point where they believe the story's reality is the only reality. To achieve this goal, actors must be completely into their character! It's not only the acting that draws in the audience but the props, costumes, stage set up, and even animation in films helps as well.
Willing suspension of disbelief can occur when you're watching Harry Potter and accept that witches and wizards go to school at Hogwarts
Task
What to Expect
Now you will be exploring different examples of how the fourth wall and willing suspension of disbelief are used. You will be watching different video examples and answer the following questions about the video on the worksheets provided.
Once you have finished the worksheet you will be reading a short excerpt from Alice in Wonderland, adapted by Michele L. Vacca, that is based off Lewis Carroll's classic fantasy. You will be assigned a group and your task will be to make the scene as believable as possible. Props will be provided in class!
Process
Now It's Your Turn!
Independent Practice (Step 1)
Watch the following videos and answer the questions on the worksheets provided. Click on the links to get started!
The Fourth Wall
Pokemon Original Series Fourth Wall Breaks (Please watch between 0:52-2:00 of the video. Of course you may watch the entire video if you would like!)
Willing Suspension of Disbelief
Harry Potter: Harry, Hermoine, and Ron's first meeting 
Alice In Wonderland Tea Party Clip and Alice in Wonderland Growth/Shrink
Guided Practice (Step 2)
After you have completed the questions to the video begin reading over the short excerpt from the play Alice in Wonderland. The script can be found in the small packet given to you with the worksheets. You will be assigned into groups of three and required to act out the scene!
Your goal is to be aware of the fourth wall and not to break it. Also, making the scene as believable as possible! There will be props provided for everyone to use for their scenes.
Alice in Wonderland (Adapted by Michele L. Vacca)
Hare: (Screams as he suddenly sees Alice. He points to her, as she stands staring at them.) Look at that!
Hatter: (Stares at her) What is that creature?
Hare: Did you invite it?
Hatter: Never! How could you suggest such an idea?
(Alice approaches the table to sit down)
Hatter: (Trying to cover as many places as possible with his arms) No room! Go away! No room! No room!
Alice: But there's plenty of room. (she sits)
Hatter: (Muttering to himself) No room. No room. Go away. No room.
Hare: (To Alice) Have some wine. (Hare and Hatter laugh)
Alice: (Looking around the table) I don't see any wine.
Hare: That's because there isn't any.
Hatter: There isn't any! (They laugh)
Alice: Then it wasn't very polite of you to offer it.
Hare: It wasn't very polite of you to sit down without being invited.
Alice: But-but-but--
Hatter: (Mocking her) But-but-but--
Alice: (a little tearful) But you have room for more than three.
Hatter: (to Alice) Your hair needs cutting.
Alice: You shouldn't make personal remarks. It's very rude.
Hatter: (to Hare) It is?
Hare: (to Hatter) Is it? (They laugh)
Evaluation
What To Except
Performance (40)
Worksheets (30)
Participation (10)
Team Work (10)
Journal Reflection (10)
Total Points: 100
Conclusion
Reflection
Now that we have gone over the fourth wall and willing suspension of disbelief please answer the following questions. Write them down into your journals and complete for homework.
1.) Why are these two concepts important in creating a believable performance?
2.) When working in your groups what was the most difficult part of making a believable scene? Why?
3.) Describe, in your own words, the fourth wall and the willing suspension of disbelief.
4.) What does it mean to "break the fourth wall"?
Next class we will be going over these questions to create a further understanding of these two concepts. Everyone will be required to share their thoughts, so be prepared!