10 Questions
Match the following theatre terms with their definitions:
Proscenium = A type of stage where the audience sits on three sides Tragedy = A type of play that has a happy ending Soliloquy = A conversation between two or more characters Wing = A part of the stage that is out of the audience's view
Match the following stage business terms with their definitions:
Cross = A movement where an actor moves from one part of the stage to another Freeze = A movement where an actor stops suddenly in a specific position Touch = A movement where an actor makes physical contact with another actor or an object Give = A movement where an actor yields to another actor or an object
Match the following theatre movement terms with their definitions:
Isolation = A movement where a specific part of the body is isolated Contrast = A movement where an actor uses opposite directions or qualities Pulse = A movement where an actor uses rhythmic energy Flow = A movement where an actor uses smooth, continuous energy
Match the following speech terms with their definitions:
Articulation = The way an actor pronounces words Diction = The way an actor uses pause and inflection Projection = The way an actor speaks loudly to be heard Tone = The way an actor uses vocal expression to convey emotion
Match the following theatre terms with their definitions:
Downstage = The part of the stage that is closest to the audience Uptown = The part of the stage that is farthest from the audience Stage left = The part of the stage that is on the actor's left side Stage right = The part of the stage that is on the actor's right side
Match the elements of drama according to Aristotle with their descriptions:
Plot = The sequence of events that make up the story of the play Character = The personality, traits, and behaviors of the individuals in the play Theme = The underlying message or idea that the play conveys Diction = The language and style of the play's dialogue
Match the following Greek theatre features with their characteristics:
Skene = The backstage area where actors prepared for their performances Orchestra = The circular area where the chorus performed and danced Theatron = The seating area where the audience watched the performance Proskene = The raised platform where the actors performed
Match the following Elizabethan theatre features with their descriptions:
Pit = The area where the wealthy audience members sat Galleries = The raised seating areas where the lower-class audience members sat Stage = The area where the actors performed Tiring House = The area where actors changed costumes and makeup
Match the following theatre personnel with their roles:
Director = The person responsible for overseeing the entire production Stage Manager = The person responsible for coordinating the logistics of the production Lighting Technician = The person responsible for designing and operating the lighting system Set Designer = The person responsible for designing and building the set
Match the following production tips and guides with their descriptions:
Blocking = The process of rehearsing and refining the movements and actions of the actors Rehearsal Schedule = The timetable for rehearsing and preparing the production Character Development = The process of creating and refining the characters and their traits Script Analysis = The process of analyzing and interpreting the script and its themes
Study Notes
Theatre and Key Terms
- Theatre is a collaborative art form that involves actors, designers, and technicians working together to tell a story to an audience
- Key terms:
- Proscenium arch: the frame around the stage that separates the audience from the performers
- Stage left and stage right: directions on the stage, left and right of the performer's perspective
- Upstage and downstage: directions on the stage, towards the back or front of the stage
- Wing: the area on either side of the stage, out of sight of the audience
- Fly system: a system of ropes, pulleys, and counterweights used to lift and move scenery and lights
Stage Business and Theatre Movement
- Stage business: the activities performed by actors on stage, such as lighting a cigarette or pouring a drink, to add realism and interest to a scene
- Theatre movement: the physical actions and gestures used by actors to convey character and meaning
- Types of movement:
- Isolation: using a single body part to convey emotion or action
- Gestus: a repeated movement or gesture used to convey character traits
- Mime: acting without words, using only physical movement and gestures
Speech
- Speech in theatre: the spoken words used by actors to convey character, emotion, and meaning
- Key terms:
- Dialogue: the words spoken by actors in a scene
- Monologue: a speech given by one actor, often to express their thoughts or feelings
- Soliloquy: a speech given by an actor when they are alone on stage, often to express their thoughts or feelings
- Projection: the ability of an actor to speak loudly and clearly, so they can be heard by the entire audience
Elements of Drama according to Aristotle
- Aristotle's elements of drama include Plot, Character, Theme, Dialogue, Melody, and Spectacle
- Plot refers to the sequence of events in a drama
- Character refers to the people involved in the drama, including their characteristics and motivations
- Theme is the underlying idea or message conveyed through the drama
- Dialogue is the verbal communication between characters
- Melody refers to the music and sound effects used in the drama
- Spectacle refers to the visual elements of the drama, including costumes, sets, and special effects
Greek Theatre
- Greek theatre originated in ancient Greece around 5th century BCE
- Tragedies and comedies were the two main genres of Greek theatre
- Greek theatre was performed in outdoor amphitheatres, with a circular or semicircular shape
- The Greeks used masks to convey emotions and characters' traits
- Greek plays were often based on myths and legends
Elizabethan Theatre
- Elizabethan theatre refers to the theatre of the English Renaissance, specifically during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603)
- Playwrights like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe wrote for the Elizabethan stage
- Elizabethan theatres were outdoor, with a round or octagonal shape, and featured a central performance space
- The Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as The King's Men, was a prominent theatre company during this period
Tableaux
- A tableau is a static scene or pose, where actors freeze in place to create a picture
- Tableaux are used to convey emotion, tell a story, or create a mood
- Tableaux can be used to begin or end a scene, or to transition between scenes
Theatre Personnel and Production
- The playwright writes the script and dialogue
- The director interprets the script and guides the actors
- The producer oversees the entire production, including budgets and logistics
- The stage manager coordinates the backstage and technical aspects of the production
- The lighting and sound designers create the technical elements of the performance
Theatre and Key Terms
- Stage: the area where the performance takes place
- Set: the physical environment of the performance, including scenery and props
- Props: objects handled by actors during the performance
- Costumes: clothing worn by actors to convey character and period
- Sound plot: a diagram showing the placements of sound equipment and cues
- Lighting plot: a diagram showing the placements of lighting equipment and cues
Stage Business and Theatre Movement
- Stage business refers to the physical actions and movements of actors on stage
- Theatre movement refers to the use of movement and physicality to convey character and emotion
- Blocking refers to the specific movements and positions of actors on stage
- Improvisation is the spontaneous creation of dialogue or action on stage
Speech
- Diction refers to the clear and correct pronunciation of words
- Articulation refers to the clear formation of words and sounds
- Projection refers to the ability to speak loudly and clearly, so the entire audience can hear
- Enunciation refers to the clear and precise formation of words and sounds
- Tone of voice refers to the emotional quality conveyed through the voice
Test your knowledge of drama fundamentals with this quiz on theatre terminology, stage business, and theatre movement. Perfect for grade 9 students!
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