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Questions and Answers
What is the imaginary wall between actors and audience called?
What is the imaginary wall between actors and audience called?
4th wall
What is a group of actors called in a classical Greek play who comment on the action?
What is a group of actors called in a classical Greek play who comment on the action?
Greek Chorus
What type of drama deals with the downfall of a heroic or noble character?
What type of drama deals with the downfall of a heroic or noble character?
Tragedy
What is the intense feeling of pity and fear that is the goal of Greek tragedy?
What is the intense feeling of pity and fear that is the goal of Greek tragedy?
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What is a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero?
What is a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero?
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What is a hymn sung to honor Dionysus?
What is a hymn sung to honor Dionysus?
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What is overbearing pride or arrogance?
What is overbearing pride or arrogance?
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What is the relationship between colors often based on their location on a color wheel called?
What is the relationship between colors often based on their location on a color wheel called?
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What theater did Shakespeare own a share of?
What theater did Shakespeare own a share of?
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What is a poetic meter made up of 5 stressed syllables each followed by an unstressed syllable?
What is a poetic meter made up of 5 stressed syllables each followed by an unstressed syllable?
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What is the timing and pace of drama called?
What is the timing and pace of drama called?
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What are the three worlds in A Midsummer Night's Dream?
What are the three worlds in A Midsummer Night's Dream?
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What are the three categories of musical numbers?
What are the three categories of musical numbers?
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What is the underlying meaning or message of text not explicitly stated?
What is the underlying meaning or message of text not explicitly stated?
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What does the word 'Wright' mean?
What does the word 'Wright' mean?
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What are techniques designed to distance audience from emotional response and encourage a social-critical one?
What are techniques designed to distance audience from emotional response and encourage a social-critical one?
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What is the difference between dramatic and epic theatre?
What is the difference between dramatic and epic theatre?
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What is the difference between presentational and representational acting?
What is the difference between presentational and representational acting?
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What is the difference between dramatic criticism and review?
What is the difference between dramatic criticism and review?
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What is realism in theatre?
What is realism in theatre?
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What is a type of realism that heightens certain details of action, scenery, and dialogue while omitting others?
What is a type of realism that heightens certain details of action, scenery, and dialogue while omitting others?
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What is an artistic movement that rejects realism and focuses on dreamlike states and non-linear narratives?
What is an artistic movement that rejects realism and focuses on dreamlike states and non-linear narratives?
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What is an artistic movement that rejects realism and naturalism, and focuses on non-realistic set designs?
What is an artistic movement that rejects realism and naturalism, and focuses on non-realistic set designs?
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What is a repeated pattern, such as an image, sound, word, or symbol that comes back again and again?
What is a repeated pattern, such as an image, sound, word, or symbol that comes back again and again?
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What is the difference between 'theatre' and 'theater'?
What is the difference between 'theatre' and 'theater'?
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What is the difference between art and entertainment?
What is the difference between art and entertainment?
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What is a short, comedic play which often poked fun at the ancient Greek tragedies?
What is a short, comedic play which often poked fun at the ancient Greek tragedies?
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What is a ceremonial act or a customary procedure?
What is a ceremonial act or a customary procedure?
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What is the name for this art form that incorporates singing, reciting, acting, and martial arts?
What is the name for this art form that incorporates singing, reciting, acting, and martial arts?
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What does the term 'willing suspension of disbelief' refer to?
What does the term 'willing suspension of disbelief' refer to?
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What are Aristotle's 6 elements of plays?
What are Aristotle's 6 elements of plays?
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What are the three questions Goethe's formula asks about a play?
What are the three questions Goethe's formula asks about a play?
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What is the difference between a formula plot and a non-formula plot?
What is the difference between a formula plot and a non-formula plot?
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Who are the three best known writers of Greek tragedies?
Who are the three best known writers of Greek tragedies?
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Who is considered the first actor?
Who is considered the first actor?
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Who wrote Mother Courage?
Who wrote Mother Courage?
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Who wrote about the six elements of drama and their power to evoke pity and fear in the audience?
Who wrote about the six elements of drama and their power to evoke pity and fear in the audience?
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When was Shakespeare a popular playwright?
When was Shakespeare a popular playwright?
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What is the role of a dramaturg?
What is the role of a dramaturg?
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What is the role of a stage manager?
What is the role of a stage manager?
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Who is the person who oversees the staging of a production?
Who is the person who oversees the staging of a production?
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What is the main dramatic function of the chorus in Antigone?
What is the main dramatic function of the chorus in Antigone?
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Tragedy is derived from a Greek word that means "goat song."
Tragedy is derived from a Greek word that means "goat song."
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Satyr plays are the highest form of a play and use elevated language and gestures.
Satyr plays are the highest form of a play and use elevated language and gestures.
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According to Aristotle, what type of character is a tragedy expected to feature?
According to Aristotle, what type of character is a tragedy expected to feature?
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Who is said to have stepped away from a chorus and became a character, leading to the development of the role of an actor?
Who is said to have stepped away from a chorus and became a character, leading to the development of the role of an actor?
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Match the three Greek tragedians with their descriptive label:
Match the three Greek tragedians with their descriptive label:
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Athens won the Peloponnesian War.
Athens won the Peloponnesian War.
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What famous line does Antigone utter in defense of her actions?
What famous line does Antigone utter in defense of her actions?
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Antigone does not want Ismene to tell anyone that she is burying Polyneices.
Antigone does not want Ismene to tell anyone that she is burying Polyneices.
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Who convinces Creon to change his mind about Antigone's sentence?
Who convinces Creon to change his mind about Antigone's sentence?
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What term describes the phenomenon where individuals in a group are more likely to adopt emotional and irrational behavior, often influenced by the behavior of others in the same group?
What term describes the phenomenon where individuals in a group are more likely to adopt emotional and irrational behavior, often influenced by the behavior of others in the same group?
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What is the emotional pressure that audiences feel to stand and applaud after watching a show called?
What is the emotional pressure that audiences feel to stand and applaud after watching a show called?
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According to Goethe's formula for analysis, what is the main purpose of asking the question "What is the artist trying to do?"
According to Goethe's formula for analysis, what is the main purpose of asking the question "What is the artist trying to do?"
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According to Aristotle, which element of a play was the least important?
According to Aristotle, which element of a play was the least important?
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What historical conflict serves as the backdrop for the events in Mother Courage?
What historical conflict serves as the backdrop for the events in Mother Courage?
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What is Brecht's "alienation effect" also known as?
What is Brecht's "alienation effect" also known as?
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Match the following characters in Mother Courage with their fate.
Match the following characters in Mother Courage with their fate.
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When Mother Courage hears of Eilif's bravery from the general, how does she react?
When Mother Courage hears of Eilif's bravery from the general, how does she react?
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According to Mother Courage, when men of courage are recruited, what does it signify?
According to Mother Courage, when men of courage are recruited, what does it signify?
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Match the characters in Mother Courage with the songs they sing:
Match the characters in Mother Courage with the songs they sing:
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What is the Sergeant referring to when he says to Mother Courage, "Like the war to nourish you? Have to feed it something too."
What is the Sergeant referring to when he says to Mother Courage, "Like the war to nourish you? Have to feed it something too."
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When Mother Courage talks about the fact that Kattrin cannot speak, what does Mother Courage think about this?
When Mother Courage talks about the fact that Kattrin cannot speak, what does Mother Courage think about this?
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In Mother Courage, who is the only person who gains from the war?
In Mother Courage, who is the only person who gains from the war?
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In the musical, Hamilton, "My Shot" is an example of Hamilton's _________________ song.
In the musical, Hamilton, "My Shot" is an example of Hamilton's _________________ song.
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Who is the only character in Hamilton who wears a wig?
Who is the only character in Hamilton who wears a wig?
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In the song "The Room Where It Happens," what is the metaphorical meaning behind the phrase "the room where it happens" in this context?
In the song "The Room Where It Happens," what is the metaphorical meaning behind the phrase "the room where it happens" in this context?
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In the song "My Shot" from the musical Hamilton, what does the phrase "not throwing away my shot" symbolize in the context of the song at the opening of the show?
In the song "My Shot" from the musical Hamilton, what does the phrase "not throwing away my shot" symbolize in the context of the song at the opening of the show?
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What is the fastest song in broadway history?
What is the fastest song in broadway history?
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What characters are double-casted in Hamilton?
What characters are double-casted in Hamilton?
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What type of stage was the production of Hamilton that you watched done on?
What type of stage was the production of Hamilton that you watched done on?
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In Hamilton, which character is the only one who is able to match Alexander Hamilton in his wit and rap when they are in a battle of words?
In Hamilton, which character is the only one who is able to match Alexander Hamilton in his wit and rap when they are in a battle of words?
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What is the central role of the lighting designer?
What is the central role of the lighting designer?
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What is the equation for conflict?
What is the equation for conflict?
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How does rhythm in dialogue create a pattern and evoke an emotional response?
How does rhythm in dialogue create a pattern and evoke an emotional response?
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Who is Orangutan from Water by the spoonful?
Who is Orangutan from Water by the spoonful?
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In Water By The Spoonful, which character takes the surprising step in personal growth to care for Odessa when she relapses?
In Water By The Spoonful, which character takes the surprising step in personal growth to care for Odessa when she relapses?
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The title of the play Water By The Spoonful comes from the scene in the play where:
The title of the play Water By The Spoonful comes from the scene in the play where:
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What does Ghost Elliot in the play Water By The Spoonful experience as a haunting memory?
What does Ghost Elliot in the play Water By The Spoonful experience as a haunting memory?
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In Water By The Spoonful, how does the theme of dissonance come up in Yazmin's life?
In Water By The Spoonful, how does the theme of dissonance come up in Yazmin's life?
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In Water By The Spoonful, why do Orangutan and Chutes&Ladders dislike Fountainhead when they first meet?
In Water By The Spoonful, why do Orangutan and Chutes&Ladders dislike Fountainhead when they first meet?
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In the play, Water By the Spoonful, what does water symbolize?
In the play, Water By the Spoonful, what does water symbolize?
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In the play, Water By the Spoonful, who says, "It's a psychological battle and I'm armed with two weapons: willpower and the experts," and what does it show about their character?
In the play, Water By the Spoonful, who says, "It's a psychological battle and I'm armed with two weapons: willpower and the experts," and what does it show about their character?
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In the play, Water By the Spoonful, who says the following, "I knew precisely what to do, what buttons to push, I engineered that shit, I might as well have pushed the thing into her vein. Because I thought, Why would God take the good one? Yo, take the bad mom instead!" and what are they referring to?
In the play, Water By the Spoonful, who says the following, "I knew precisely what to do, what buttons to push, I engineered that shit, I might as well have pushed the thing into her vein. Because I thought, Why would God take the good one? Yo, take the bad mom instead!" and what are they referring to?
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What is the phrase coined by Shakespeare?
What is the phrase coined by Shakespeare?
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What does the phrase "Much Ado about nothing mean?
What does the phrase "Much Ado about nothing mean?
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What sound does iambic pentameter imitate?
What sound does iambic pentameter imitate?
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What are the three elements of dynamic lighting?
What are the three elements of dynamic lighting?
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In one of Christopher's memories in the play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Christopher remembers his mother had taken him to the beach. She jumped into the ocean and she disappeared under the water. Why does Christopher scream?
In one of Christopher's memories in the play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Christopher remembers his mother had taken him to the beach. She jumped into the ocean and she disappeared under the water. Why does Christopher scream?
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Why does Christopher run away from home?
Why does Christopher run away from home?
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In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, when Judy tells Christopher that he's going to take his A-level exam next year instead of this year, how does he respond?
In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, when Judy tells Christopher that he's going to take his A-level exam next year instead of this year, how does he respond?
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What is Christopher's favorite subject?
What is Christopher's favorite subject?
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What is Stanislavski philosophy also known as?
What is Stanislavski philosophy also known as?
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What is the Suzuki acting style?
What is the Suzuki acting style?
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What is the Stanislavski Method?
What is the Stanislavski Method?
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What is the Laban method?
What is the Laban method?
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What is the technique called when an actor replaces their character's emotions with unrelated emotions of their own?
What is the technique called when an actor replaces their character's emotions with unrelated emotions of their own?
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Study Notes
Theater Terms & Definitions
- 4th wall: An imaginary wall separating actors from the audience.
- Greek Chorus: A group of actors who comment on the action in a Greek play through singing or speaking in unison.
- Tragedy: A serious play focusing on the downfall of a noble character.
- Catharsis: The feeling of pity and fear, a goal of Greek tragedy.
- Hubris: Excessive pride or arrogance, a type of hamartia.
- Hamartia: A fatal flaw that leads to a tragic hero or heroine's downfall.
- Dithyramb: A hymn praising Dionysus, sung by a choir.
- Color Theory: The relationships between colors, often visualized on a color wheel.
- Globe Theatre: A historic London theatre where Shakespeare performed, with a capacity of up to 3000 people.
- Iambic Pentameter: A poetic rhythm with 5 pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables.
- Rhythm: Timing and pace in drama.
- 3 worlds in Midsummer: The lovers, the mechanicals, and the fairies.
- "I want" songs: Musical songs expressing a character's desire and motivations, often appearing in the second or third act. An example is "Not Throwing Away My Shot" from Hamilton.
- Subtext: Hidden meaning in a text.
- Wright: A maker or builder.
- Alienation effect: Techniques in theatre that distance the audience from emotional engagement, encouraging social and critical thought.
- Dramatic vs. Epic Theatre: Dramatic theatre follows a linear narrative, while epic theatre is fragmented and non-linear.
- Presentational vs. Representational: In presentational, actors acknowledge the audience; in representational, audience is ignored.
- Dramatic Criticism vs. Reviews: Dramatic criticism is a deep analysis of a production; reviews describe the play without extensive plot summaries.
- Realism: Reflects contemporary life.
- Selective Realism: Heightens certain details while omitting others for dramatic effect.
- Expressionism: A theatrical style rejecting realism and portraying dreamlike states, often non-linear.
- Symbolism: A reaction against realism. Sets and performances are designed in a manner that is not realistic.
- Motif: Repeated images, sounds, words, or symbols.
- Theatre vs. Theater: Theatre applies to the performance or the craft; theater applies to the physical building.
- Art vs. Entertainment: Art challenges status quo, while entertainment reinforces it.
- Satyr Plays: Short comedic plays that poked fun at tragedies of ancient Greece.
- Ritual: A ceremonial action.
- Peking Theatre: A performance style combining singing, speaking, acting, and martial arts.
- Willing Suspension of Disbelief: The audience's acceptance of unrealistic elements of a performance as real.
- Aristotle's 6 Elements of Plays: Plot, character, thought, diction, spectacle, and song.
- Goethe's Formula: Determining the artist's intention, success, and worth.
- Formula Plot vs. Non-Formula Plot: Formula plots follow a predictable structure, while non-formula plots develop organically.
- Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides: Important Greek playwrights writing tragedies.
- Thespis: Often credited with being the first actor.
- Brecht: Playwright from Germany, known for writing Mother Courage.
- Aristotle: Greek philosopher theorizing the purpose of drama to arouse audience emotions.
- Shakespeare: Very popular English playwright and poet.
- Dramaturg: A specialist offering literary and production knowledge to the theatre.
- Stage Manager: In charge backstage during rehearsals and performances.
- Director: Oversees everything in a production.
- Antigone's Chorus Function: Commentary and insight into the play's events.
- Tragedy's Greek Origins: Derived from the Greek term "goat song."
- Satyr Plays Nature: The lowest form of play, known for lewd comedy.
- Tragedy Character Trait: Aristotle described the protagonist as noble.
- Origin of the Actor: Thespis developed the actor's role by stepping away from chorus and performing individual roles.
- Euripides, Aeschylus, Sophocles (character profiles): activist, warrior, wise person.
- Peloponnesian War Outcome (Athens): Athens lost this war.
- Antigone's Famous Line: "An unjust law is no law at all."
- Ismene's Role in Antigone: Ismene was requested to tell others about Antigone's actions, when Antigone did not want that to happen.
- Creon's Persuader: Teiresias.
- Group Dynamics: A group's tendency towards emotional and irrational group behavior.
- Ovation Inflation: Pressure on audiences to applaud.
- Goethe's Formula Analysis Purpose: Determining the artist's objective during analysis.
- Aristotle's Least Important Element: Spectacle.
- Mother Courage's Backdrop: Thirty Years War.
- Alienation Effect Synonyms: Aesthetic distancing
- Eilif, Kattrin, Swiss Cheese background: Events surrounding their deaths
- Mother Courage Reaction to Eilif's Bravery: Slap.
- Mother Courage's Comment on Recruitment: It stinks
- Mother Courage's Observations about Kattrin and Speaking: A blessing because Kattrin would avoid trouble.
- War's Beneficiary in Mother Courage: Yvette, a character
- Hamilton's "My Shot": An I-want-type song.
- Hamilton's Wigwearer: King George.
- "The Room Where It Happens" Metaphor: Central political maneuvering.
- "My Shot" Symbolism: Hamilton's eagerness to seize opportunities.
- Fastest Broadway Song: Guns and Ships
- Hamilton Double Castings: Various characters
- Hamilton Stage Type: Proscenium Arch
- Hamilton's Debate Match: Jefferson.
- Lighting Designer's Central Role: Mood creation.
- Conflict Equation: Desire + Obstacle = Conflict.
- Dialogue Rhythm's Role: Patterned sounds/speeds create emotion.
- Madeline Mays (Water By The Spoonful): Japanese birth family
- Character that Supports Odessa: Fountainhead
- "Water By The Spoonful" Title Origin: Elliot demands Odessa get water for her sister
- Elliot's Haunting Ghost: First Iraq War shooting victim.
- Yazmin's Dissonance Theme: Internal conflicts and family issues.
- Orangutan and Chutes & Ladders Dislike Fountainhead: View his behavior as superficial.
- Water's Symbolism: Basic needs/essential to life.
- Fountainhead's Quote and Meaning: Shows arrogance
- Elliot's Quote and Referring To: Describes his actions toward Odessa's overdose.
- Shakespearean Phrase: Cruel to be kind.
- Much Ado About Nothing's Meaning: Big fuss about nothing; particularly a vagina
- Iambic Pentameter Sound Imitation: Heartbeats
- Dynamic Lighting Elements: Intensity, mood, and color.
- Christopher's Beach Memory and Reaction: Thinking a shark ate his mother.
- Christopher's Runaway Reason: Fear of his father.
- Christopher's Reaction to Judy's News: Scream; throw away his ice cream.
- Christopher's Favorite Subject: Math.
- Stanislavski's Philosophy Alias: Method acting.
- Suzuki Acting Style: Focus on physical abilities.
- Stanislavski Method: Psychological acting approach.
- Laban Method: Movement vocabulary for character creation.
- Substitution Technique: Replacing personal emotions with a character's emotions to embody.
- "Off Book" Description: Actor not using the script.
- Inside/Outside: Physical transformation for characterization.
- Inside/Out: Recalling a personal memory to match a character's emotion.
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Description
Test your knowledge of essential theater terms and definitions with this quiz. From Greek drama to Shakespearean plays, explore key concepts that form the foundation of theatrical study. Enhance your understanding of dramatic elements and historical significance in theater.
