Theatre Quiz Questions & Answers
Theatre Through the Ages
9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers
Discover the rich and diverse history of theatre with this quiz! From the origins of theatre as a ritualistic activity to its development across cultures and continents, test your knowledge on the key moments and figures in theatre history. Explore the evolution of theatrical forms and styles, from...
Discover the rich and diverse history of theatre with this quiz! From the origins of theatre as a ritualistic activity to its development across cultures and continents, test your knowledge on the key moments and figures in theatre history. Explore the evolution of theatrical forms and styles, from the classical Greek and Roman traditions to the emergence of modern and experimental theatre. Delve into the unique characteristics of African, Indian, and West African theatre and learn about the important contributions made by playwrights and performers from around the world.
-
1. What is the root of the Western theatrical tradition?
- Greek theatre
-
2. Which country saw a monumental increase in the production of live theatre during the Spanish Golden Age?
- Spain
-
3. What was the dominant form of theatre in the 18th century?
- Neoclassicism
-
4. What is the name of the most complete work of dramaturgy in the ancient world?
- The Nātyaśāstra
-
5. What is the name of the early form of professional theatre originating from Italy and popular throughout Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries?
- Commedia dell'arte
-
6. What was the first African-American theater established in 1821?
- The African Grove Theatre
-
7. What was the form of medieval theater in which amateur performers were exclusively male and plays were staged on pageant wagon stages?
- Mystery plays
-
8. Which notable playwright wrote six plays modeled on Terence's comedies but using religious subjects?
- Hrosvitha
-
9. What is the name of the Latin musical drama written by Hildegard of Bingen in 1155?
- The Ordo Virtutum
Test Your Knowledge of Play Genres
9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers
How well do you know the different types of plays? From comedy to tragedy, historical to musical theatre, and even theatre of the absurd, plays come in many different forms. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of the different genres of plays and learn more about the characteristics that set them...
How well do you know the different types of plays? From comedy to tragedy, historical to musical theatre, and even theatre of the absurd, plays come in many different forms. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of the different genres of plays and learn more about the characteristics that set them apart. Whether you're a theatre buff or just looking to expand your cultural knowledge, this quiz is sure to entertain and educate. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the world of dramatic literature.
-
1. What is the main difference between comedies and farces?
- Farces are nonsensical and often have humor while comedies are not.
-
2. What is the main focus of restoration comedy?
- Relationships between men and women
-
3. What is the main characteristic of tragedies?
- Dark themes like death and disaster
-
4. What is the main focus of historical plays?
- Historical events
-
5. What is the main characteristic of musical theatre productions?
- They have songs and dance to explain the story
-
6. What is the main focus of theatre of cruelty?
- Symbolizing the subconscious through bodily performances
-
7. What is the main focus of theatre of the absurd?
- Metaphysical representations of existential qualms and questions
-
8. What does the term 'script' refer to?
- The written text of the play
-
9. What do stage directions indicate?
- The manner of delivery of the text and sounds to be produced on stage
The Ultimate Theatre Director Quiz
9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers
Think you know what it takes to be a theatre director? Test your knowledge with our Theatre Director quiz! From overseeing the technical and performance aspects of a production to collaborating with a creative team, this quiz will challenge your understanding of this dynamic role. Explore the histor...
Think you know what it takes to be a theatre director? Test your knowledge with our Theatre Director quiz! From overseeing the technical and performance aspects of a production to collaborating with a creative team, this quiz will challenge your understanding of this dynamic role. Explore the history of theatre directing and seminal works on the subject. Whether you're a seasoned theatre-goer or a newcomer, this quiz is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of directing.
-
1. What is the primary responsibility of a theatre director?
- To oversee and orchestrate the mounting of a theatre production
-
2. Which of the following are aspects of a theatre production that a director is responsible for coordinating?
- Both technical and performance aspects
-
3. What are some examples of technical aspects of a theatre production that a director is responsible for?
- Stage combat and lighting design
-
4. What are some examples of performance aspects of a theatre production that a director is responsible for?
- Acting and dance
-
5. What is the origin of the role of a theatre director?
- Ancient Greece
-
6. When did professional vocational training programs in directing emerge?
- In the second half of the 20th century
-
7. What is the purpose of the book 'Directors on Directing: A Sourcebook of the Modern Theatre' by Toby Cole and Helen Krich?
- To teach theatre directing techniques
-
8. What is the purpose of the book 'The Director and the Stage: From Naturalism to Growtowski' by Edward Braun?
- To teach theatre directing techniques
-
9. What is the purpose of the book 'The Director in a Changing Theatre' by Will?
- To critique the profession of theatre directing
Test Your Technical Theatre Knowledge
9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers
Take our quiz on the technical aspects of theatrical, film, and video production to test your knowledge on constructing and rigging scenery, lighting, costumes, audio engineering, and more. From Greek theatre to modern-day stagecraft, learn about the evolution of this field and its influence on cont...
Take our quiz on the technical aspects of theatrical, film, and video production to test your knowledge on constructing and rigging scenery, lighting, costumes, audio engineering, and more. From Greek theatre to modern-day stagecraft, learn about the evolution of this field and its influence on contemporary Western stagecraft. See how much you know about the history and development of stagecraft, and discover the sub-disciplines of modern theatrical lighting. Challenge yourself with our quiz and become an expert on the technical aspects
-
1. What is stagecraft in theatrical, film, and video production?
- The practical implementation of a scenic designer's artistic vision
-
2. Who may execute stagecraft in theatrical, film, and video production?
- A team of designers, carpenters, electricians, stagehands, stitchers, wigmakers, etc.
-
3. What is scenography in theatrical, film, and video production?
- The practical implementation of a scenic designer's artistic vision
-
4. Which civilization made extensive use of stagecraft in their theatre?
- Greek
-
5. Where were plays held during Medieval times?
- In the streets of towns and cities
-
6. Where was modern stagecraft developed during the 16th and 17th centuries?
- England
-
7. What type of stages were constructed in France around the time of the English Restoration?
- Proscenium stages
-
8. During which era in England did stagecraft develop rapidly with the emergence of the West End?
- Victorian era
-
9. What paved the way for the development of special effects in film during the latter part of the 19th-century?
- The development of electrical technologies
The Actor's Heart
9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers
Test your knowledge on the fascinating relationship between heart-rate and stress in actors with this quiz. Explore the physiological changes that occur during rehearsals and performances, and learn how actors cope with performance anxiety and stage fright. Discover the impact of monologue length, e...
Test your knowledge on the fascinating relationship between heart-rate and stress in actors with this quiz. Explore the physiological changes that occur during rehearsals and performances, and learn how actors cope with performance anxiety and stage fright. Discover the impact of monologue length, experience level, and audience size on an actor's stress level, and understand the importance of positive stress in challenging situations. This quiz is perfect for anyone interested in the inner workings of the acting industry and the psychology of performance.
-
1. What is the semiotics of acting?
- The study of the ways in which aspects of a performance come to operate for its audience as signs
-
2. What is improvisation in acting?
- A substantial element of classical forms of acting and is used to cover up any mistakes made by the actor
-
3. What is the purpose of a resume for actors and actresses?
- To list their previous projects and skills when applying for roles
-
4. What is auditioning in acting?
- The act of performing either a monologue or sides as sent by the casting director
-
5. What is rehearsal in acting?
- A process in which actors prepare and practice a performance
-
6. What is stage fright?
- A condition in which actors experience increased heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating when performing in front of an audience
-
7. What is the effect of increased training and exposure to public speaking on humans?
- It allows humans to maintain calmer and more relaxed physiologically
-
8. What is the purpose of improvisation in classical forms of acting?
- To cover up any mistakes made by the actor
-
9. What is the purpose of a critical audience with evaluative spectators?
- To induce stress on actors during performance
The Ultimate Playwright Quiz
9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers
Test your knowledge on the fascinating world of playwrights with this quiz! From the origins of the term "playwright" to the neoclassical ideals of the Italian Renaissance, this quiz will challenge you on the history and techniques of drama. Explore the French scene and "well-made play" format, and...
Test your knowledge on the fascinating world of playwrights with this quiz! From the origins of the term "playwright" to the neoclassical ideals of the Italian Renaissance, this quiz will challenge you on the history and techniques of drama. Explore the French scene and "well-made play" format, and discover how contemporary playwrights are making their mark today. Whether you're a theatre buff or just looking to expand your knowledge, this quiz is sure to entertain and educate.
-
1. What is a playwright?
- A person who writes plays
-
2. What is the origin of the word 'playwright'?
- From the Middle English words 'pleye' and 'wright'
-
3. Who were the earliest surviving playwrights in Western literature?
- The Ancient Greeks
-
4. What did Aristotle's Poetics analyze as the basis for tragedy?
- The principle of action or praxis
-
5. What is neoclassical ideal?
- A style of playwriting that emphasizes unity of action, place, and time
-
6. What is the French scene?
- A type of play structure
-
7. What is the 'well-made play' format?
- A format that relies on a series of coincidences that determine the action
-
8. Do contemporary playwrights in the United States reach the same level of fame or cultural importance as others did in the past?
- No, they do not
-
9. What is new play development?
- A phenomenon to showcase various festivals for new work
Test Your Knowledge of Ancient Greek Theatre Costumes and Masks
9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers
Do you know your ancient Greek theatre costumes and masks? Take this quiz and test your knowledge on the colorful and elaborate costumes worn by actors in ancient Greek theatre. From chitons to cothurnus, find out about the different clothing styles worn by characters of different social classes and...
Do you know your ancient Greek theatre costumes and masks? Take this quiz and test your knowledge on the colorful and elaborate costumes worn by actors in ancient Greek theatre. From chitons to cothurnus, find out about the different clothing styles worn by characters of different social classes and genders. Explore the use of masks and how they helped actors project their emotions and amplify their voices. Learn about the materials used to make the masks and costumes and how they were designed to be seen by every seat in
-
1. What was the primary Hellenistic theatrical form?
- New Comedy
-
2. What is the significance of the word tragedy in Greek theatre?
- It refers to the ancient Dionysian cults
-
3. What is the function of masks in Greek theatre?
- To amplify the actors' voices and expressions
-
4. What were male actors' shoes called?
- Cothurnus
-
5. What did male actors playing female roles wear to imitate the look of breasts?
- A wooden structure
-
6. What was the purpose of the skené in Greek theatre?
- To serve as a backdrop or scenic wall
-
7. What is the significance of the Pronomos Vase?
- It is a major source of information about ancient Greek theatre
-
8. What materials were masks made of in Greek theatre?
- Organic materials like linen, leather, wood, or cork
-
9. What was the purpose of costumes in Greek theatre?
- To give off a sense of character, including gender, age, social status, and class
How Much Do You Know About English Renaissance Theatre?
9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers
Test your knowledge of English Renaissance Theatre with our quiz! From the plays of Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Jonson to the construction of the playhouses, this quiz will challenge you on all aspects of this fascinating period of theatre history. Learn about the evolution of drama, the role of costu...
Test your knowledge of English Renaissance Theatre with our quiz! From the plays of Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Jonson to the construction of the playhouses, this quiz will challenge you on all aspects of this fascinating period of theatre history. Learn about the evolution of drama, the role of costumes, and the challenges faced by playwrights and actors. Take the quiz now and see how much you know about this influential era of theatre!
-
1. What was the period of English Renaissance theatre?
- Between 1562 and 1642
-
2. What was the purpose of costumes during the Elizabethan era?
- To identify social status on stage
-
3. What was the main factor that enabled the success of English Renaissance drama?
- The establishment of large and profitable public theatres
-
4. What was the attitude of the Puritan movement toward theatre during the English Renaissance?
- Hostile
-
5. What was the primary way in which playwrights were paid during the English Renaissance?
- In increments during the writing process
-
6. What were drolls during the English Renaissance?
- Short comical plays allowed by the authorities during the Civil War
-
7. What was the attitude of the playwrights and actors toward the Royalist cause during the English Renaissance?
- Most supported the Royalist cause
-
8. What was the main reason for the ban on theatrical plays enacted by the English Parliament in 1642?
- The influence of the Puritan faction
-
9. What new genres of theatre evolved after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660?
- Restoration comedy and spectacle
Test Your Knowledge of Kabuki Theatre
9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers
How much do you know about Kabuki theatre? Test your knowledge with our Kabuki quiz! Learn about the history and traditions of this classical Japanese dance-drama, from its origins in the Edo period to its UNESCO recognition as an intangible cultural heritage. Discover the different types of kabuki...
How much do you know about Kabuki theatre? Test your knowledge with our Kabuki quiz! Learn about the history and traditions of this classical Japanese dance-drama, from its origins in the Edo period to its UNESCO recognition as an intangible cultural heritage. Discover the different types of kabuki plays, the iconic costumes and makeup, and the famous actors who have graced its stages. Challenge yourself and see how much you know about this unique art form!
-
1. What is kabuki?
- A form of Japanese theatre that combines dramatic performance with traditional dance
-
2. Who founded kabuki?
- Izumo no Okuni
-
3. What is the meaning of the word kabuki?
- To lean or to be out of the ordinary
-
4. Why was women's kabuki banned in 1629?
- For being too erotic
-
5. What are the three main categories of kabuki play?
- Jidaimono, sewamono, and shosagoto
-
6. What is a hanamichi in kabuki theatre?
- A walkway which extends into the audience
-
7. What is the difference between jōruri plays and kabuki plays?
- Jōruri plays focus on the story and the chanter who recites it, while kabuki places greater emphasis on the actors themselves and their talents
-
8. What is Super Kabuki?
- A new genre of kabuki productions created by Ichikawa En-ō in 1986
-
9. What is a shūmei in kabuki theatre?
- A grand naming ceremony held in kabuki theatres when actors take on new stage names
