Synonyms
Voice Over.
Introduction
The performers on stage will have their dialogue supplied by performers offstage.
Description
In typical dubbing scenes the performers supplying the voices must watch their fellow performers on stage to carefully synchronise their dialogue. In reverse dubbing the performers on stage are required to listen closely and move their mouths in synch with the dialogue being given. Often the performers supplying the dialogue are not even watching the scene.
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. The performers on stage may be involved in actions completely disconnected from the dialogue they are mimicking. The performers have to demonstrate exemplary listening skills. The performer listening for the dubbing must immediately cease moving their mouth when the voice over stops. 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
- Dubbing – Dubbing performers work with the stage performers.
- Cross Dubbing – the two actors on stage dub each other’s words.
- Three Way Dubbing – actor one dubs actor two and actor two dubs actor three and actor three dubs actor one.
- Low Budget Voice Over – One player does all voices.
- Translation Scene – On stage performers speak in gibberish and offstage performers translate.
Credits
- None.