ensemble acting

noun

1. an approach to acting that aims for a unified effect achieved by all members of a cast working together on behalf of the play, rather than emphasizing individual performances.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ensemble acting¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

The smash success of two pictures notable for distinctive writing and memorable ensemble acting — achievements, in other words, that a ChatGPT-concocted script and an AI-generated cast would have been hard-pressed to replicate — had the effect of throwing the studios’ greed and short-sightedness into the starkest possible relief.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2001 he appeared in Robert Altman's highly-rated Gosford Park, which won an Oscar for best screenplay and an ensemble acting award from the Screen Actors Guild.

From BBC

The movie is pretty hit-and-miss, though its ensemble acting prize from the U.S. dramatic competition jury was hard to begrudge.

From Los Angeles Times

I was able to catch Reboot’s production late in its run and I found myself furiously writing in my notebook trying to remember all the fun little ways their choices made me see this musical anew — in particular, the ensemble acting as the press/paparazzi, depriving Jesus and Judas of even an ounce of privacy to deal with disagreements without a microphone in their faces.

From Seattle Times

The entire cast of 12 sings well and the 15-piece orchestra is marvelous but, as with many revues, the ensemble acting is iffy.

From New York Times