Dramatic Arts Term 3 - Circus History
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Questions and Answers

What was one consequence for minstrels and traveling entertainers during the Elizabethan era?

  • They were required to have permanent homes.
  • They could face punishment for performing in public. (correct)
  • They could receive government funding.
  • They were celebrated as cultural icons.

What type of performances were commonly featured at the country fairs in the seventeenth century?

  • Theatrical plays
  • Riding exhibitions (correct)
  • Concerts by famous musicians
  • Puppet shows

Which era is characterized by performances shifting from streets to more permanent venues?

  • Medieval era
  • Victorian era
  • Elizabethan era (correct)
  • Seventeenth century

What activity was prominent at English country fairs during the seventeenth century?

<p>Rope dancing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical view does the content suggest regarding the use of animals in entertainment?

<p>It may still imply a level of cruelty. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who were two prominent figures during the Elizabethan era mentioned in the content?

<p>William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts relates to performers being labeled as vagabonds?

<p>The perception of performers as a threat to society. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable characteristic of the entertainment at the country fairs?

<p>It often involved dangerous stunts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of contemporary circuses compared to traditional ones?

<p>Emphasizing daring acts performed by humans only (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the style of circus shift in France with contemporary performances?

<p>By introducing a basic narrative and choreographed transitions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which circus is known for its innovative approach to performance and has evolved significantly since its inception?

<p>Cirque Du Soleil (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of performances do aerialists typically engage in?

<p>Acrobatics on tightropes or trapezes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What year did Cirque Du Soleil produce its own film?

<p>2012 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect enhances the mood of acts in contemporary circuses?

<p>Crafted lights and music (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a general feature of contemporary circuses as described?

<p>Inclusion of animal-based performances (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the nature of the performances in contemporary circuses?

<p>Daring, slick and choreographed with precision (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of wearing a neutral costume during performances?

<p>To blend into the background and focus on the performance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT mentioned as a requirement for the mime comic duo performance?

<p>Written dialogue for each scene (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the whiteface clown?

<p>Covers skin with white make-up (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of performance does the rubric emphasize for the use of music?

<p>It should enhance the mood and meaning of the story (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the mime comic duo performance rubric, what is emphasized about physical expression?

<p>It should accurately communicate the stock character (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a class of the whiteface clown?

<p>Tragic Whiteface Clown (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What element does clowning primarily use to create humor?

<p>Timing and anticipation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes the relationship that should exist between the contrasting pairs in the performance?

<p>It should enhance the humor of the mime (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Grotesque/Comedy Whiteface Clown from the Classic/Neat Whiteface Clown?

<p>Exaggerated make-up and hairstyles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of improvisation in the mime performance?

<p>To create an interesting and unique story (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which trait is not essential for clowning as an art form?

<p>Formal education in theatre (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be double-checked before the performance according to the instructions?

<p>The rubrics and scoring criteria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of anti-climax in clowning?

<p>It adds an unexpected twist to the humor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the total scoring available on the rubric for the performance?

<p>A total of 50 points is possible for evaluation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the classic/neat whiteface clown typically wear?

<p>A one-piece outfit or a decorative suit (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is most associated with clowns in modern theater?

<p>Derives humor from exaggerated behaviors and appearances (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant contribution of the Ringling Brothers to the circus industry?

<p>They introduced the tent known as The Big Top. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Ringling Brothers Circus close in May of 2017?

<p>High operating costs and legal battles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common feature of the circus parade called ‘spectacle’?

<p>Animals wearing bright velvet or satin ornaments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did modern circus families differ from individual performers?

<p>They contributed their skills across generations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the ‘freak shows’ in some circuses?

<p>They used oddities and deformities of performers to attract audiences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one major challenge faced by circuses in the 1960s and 1970s?

<p>Competition from other forms of entertainment like television. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which animal was prominently featured in Barnum and Bailey Circus?

<p>The elephant, Jumbo. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of circus performances was intended to entertain the audience during the ‘spectacle’?

<p>The humorous acts performed by clowns. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the drama neutral position?

<p>The knees are soft. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can an actor manipulate their posture to suggest age?

<p>By bending over and compressing the chest. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivates movement in a character?

<p>The character’s desires in the scene. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of movements does 'gesture' refer to?

<p>Small movements of hands, arms, and shoulders. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors is NOT mentioned as part of effective facial expressions?

<p>Nose breathing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of gestures in acting?

<p>To convey the character's emotions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'movement' as defined in acting?

<p>Every physical action a character takes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is posture important to consider in acting?

<p>It impacts the character's voice and presence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Vagabond

A person who wanders from place to place without a home or a job.

Elizabethan Era

The period of English history from 1558 to 1603, marked by the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Minstrels

Traveling entertainers in Elizabethan England.

Country Fairs (17th Century)

Popular venues for performers in the 17th century, often characterized by disorder and noise.

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Acrobats in the 17th Century

Performer in the 17th century, renowned for their physical agility

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Animal Cruelty in Entertainment

Ethical concern about the use of animals in entertainment.

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Early entertainment venues

Places where entertainers performed, such as country fairs

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17th Century performers

Acrobats, jugglers, ropedancers, and bear trainers in the 17th century.

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Barnum & Bailey Circus

A famous circus created by P.T. Barnum and James Bailey, known for its large scale and unusual animals like Jumbo the elephant.

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Ringling Brothers Circus

A famous circus founded by the 5 Ringling Brothers, known for its "Big Top" tents and eventually acquiring Barnum & Bailey.

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Circus Spectacle

The parade at the start of a circus show featuring performers and animals.

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Circus Animals

Animals featured as attractions in circuses, often performing tricks and stunts.

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Freak Shows

Circus acts that used performers with unusual appearances or deformities to attract audiences.

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Circus Families

Families who passed down circus skills and performed together, earning special status.

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Decline in Circus Popularity

The decrease in popularity of circuses in the 1960s and 1970s due to the rise of other entertainment and animal rights concerns.

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Ringling Brothers Circus Closure

The closing of the Ringling Brothers Circus in 2017, after 146 years, due to high costs and disputes with animal rights groups.

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Contemporary Circus

Modern circuses that emphasize human acts, acrobatics, and stunts, often with theatrical elements and storytelling.

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Cirque du Soleil

A famous contemporary circus known for its theatrical elements, elaborate performances, and storytelling.

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Aerialist

A performer of acrobatic feats in the air, usually on a tightrope or trapeze.

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Circus Act Categories

Three different types of acts used in circuses to categorize them.

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Theatrical Elements

Elements of a circus performance using lights, music, and storytelling to enhance the mood and experience.

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Storytelling in Circus

Incorporating a basic narrative (story) into a circus act to create a stronger connection with the audience.

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Transition Choreography

Planned movements and actions between different circus acts, often with military-style precision.

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Circus Act

A performance or skill shown in a circus

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Whiteface Clown Types

Two main categories of whiteface clowns: Classic/Neat and Grotesque/Comedy.

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Classic Whiteface Clown

A sophisticated clown with elegant makeup and attire.

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Grotesque Whiteface Clown

A zany, exaggerated clown with bold makeup and attire.

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Clown Characteristics

Clowns use skill, humor, timing, and surprise to entertain.

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Clown Roles in Theatre

Clowns are common performers in modern theatre, using humor and skill.

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Clown Makeup

Whiteface clowns use white makeup on face and neck, with black painted features.

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Clown History

Circus clowns have evolved over time.

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Circus Timeline

Flow map shows time periods in the history of the circus, from Roman Era to the 21st century.

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Posture

The physical position of the body, crucial for effective communication and character portrayal.

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Movement

All physical actions a character does, like walking or sitting, that are driven by their desires in a scene

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Gesture (acting)

Smaller body movements (like hand or head) that express emotions and thoughts of a character.

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Facial Expression

The facial features that show a character's feelings or emotions.

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Neutral Posture

The default, 'normal' body position; a starting point for creating other portrayals.

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Character Manipulation

Adjusting posture, expression, and movement and details to create different age or gender portrayals.

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Motivated Movement

Actions that are driven by the character's desires or goals in the scene.

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Expressive Gesture

Small movements used to express emotions, thoughts, and character traits

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Mime Comic Duo Performance

A performance by two mimes using improvisation, music, choreography and props to create a humorous story.

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Improvisation skills

Creating a story without a pre-planned script, using creativity and spontaneity to develop a comic performance.

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Music selection

Choosing music for enhancement of humor, mood and meaning of a mime performance.

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Mime Choreography

The planned movements and actions of a mime performance, reflecting the story and humor.

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Stock characters

Commonly recognized characters each performing differently with similar characteristics.

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Performance Rubric

A checklist of criteria and scores used for evaluating mime performance.

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Stage space use

Using the stage/area in a purposeful way to enhance the story and character portrayal within the mime performance

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Performance Neutral Attire

Black top and matching loosely fitting black bottoms for performances.

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Study Notes

Dramatic Arts Term 3 - Circus

  • Curriculum includes units on the circus, clowns, mime, melodrama, stock characters, and physical characterisation.

Unit 1: History of the Circus

  • Roman Republic (27 BC - 476 AD): Circuses had a rich history.
    • Gladiator battles, initially sporting events, became violent spectacles.
    • Arena or ring was a prominent feature.
    • Roman circus wasn't a fun place with combat.
  • Medieval Era (1000 - 1500 AD): Traveling entertainers.
    • Minstrels and jugglers, who later influenced clown characters, emerged.
    • Temporary stages were set up, often in marketplaces or taverns.
  • Elizabethan Era (1558-1603 AD): Entertainers and performers.
    • Entertainment faced negative views by the population.
    • Entertainers adapted to permanent locations.
    • Shakespeare and Marlowe thrived during this era.
  • 17th Century (1600s AD): Country fairs became entertainment venues.
    • Acrobats, jugglers, ropedancers, bear trainers, and horse riders flourished.
  • 18th Century (1700s AD): Modern circus developed in England.
    • Philip Astley's riding school: Foundation of the modern circus.
    • First circus buildings were constructed.
  • 19th Century (1800s AD): "Golden Age" of the circus.
    • Barnum & Bailey Circus: Popularity of animal acts (Jumbo).
    • Ringling Brothers: Famous circus owners.
    • Spectacle was also a crucial feature, and involved a procession-like parade.
  • 20th & 21st Centuries (1900s-2000s AD): The rise of Cirque du Soleil.
    • Focus on theatrical elements, acrobatics, stunts, and narrative.
    • Circus styles adapted to evolving social attitudes towards animal acts.

Unit 2: Clowns and Clowning

  • Three types of clowns: Whiteface, Auguste, Tramp.
    • Whiteface: sophisticated, graceful, charming, witty, with white face and black makeup, using facial expressions.
    • Auguste: flamboyant, silly, exaggerated features, using slapstick comedy.
    • Tramp: Beggar/hobo-like, exaggerated features, clumsy movements, wearing shabby clothes.

Unit 3: Mime, Melodrama & Stock Characters

  • Mime: Storytelling through body language and facial expressions.
    • Principles: Gesture, exaggeration, visual interpretation of everyday activities.
  • Melodrama: Extravagant type of theatrical entertainment.
  • Stock Characters: Common/popular characters in stories.
  • Features: Universal, recognizable types, culturally specific appearance.

Unit 4: Elements of Physical Characterisation

  • Elements: Posture, movement, gesture, facial expressions.

Warm-up Routine for Physical Characterisation

  • Locomotive Movement
  • Swings
  • Spinal Stretch
  • Axial Movement
  • Extensions
  • Feet and Hand Warm Up

Task 11: Mime Comic Duos

  • Teams of 2 or 3 perform mime routines.
  • Students need to pick from various scenarios.
  • A symbol or prop should help convey the scenario.
  • Choose appropriate stock character pairs.

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Circus Learner's Module PDF

Description

Explore the fascinating history of the circus from the Roman Republic to the 17th century. This quiz covers the evolution of entertainment, including gladiator battles, traveling entertainers, and the rise of permanent venues. Test your knowledge on clowns, mime, and the cultural shifts affecting performances throughout the ages.

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