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</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.</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</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.</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.</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</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</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</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of performances do aerialists typically engage in?

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

    What year did Cirque Du Soleil produce its own film?

    <p>2012</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect enhances the mood of acts in contemporary circuses?

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

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

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

    What describes the nature of the performances in contemporary circuses?

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

    What is a key characteristic of the whiteface clown?

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

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

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

    What element does clowning primarily use to create humor?

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

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

    <p>Formal education in theatre</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</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.</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</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</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</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.</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.</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did modern circus families differ from individual performers?

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

    Which animal was prominently featured in Barnum and Bailey Circus?

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

    What is a key characteristic of the drama neutral position?

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

    What motivates movement in a character?

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

    What type of movements does 'gesture' refer to?

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

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

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

    What is the main purpose of gestures in acting?

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

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

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

    Why is posture important to consider in acting?

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

    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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    Related Documents

    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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