DRAMA AND THEATER

Drama Prose or verse telling a story intended for representation by actors through dialogue or action.

The Play Playwright : person who writes plays. Script : printed copy of a play. Acts : the major sections of a play. Scene : small section or portion of a play.

The People Cast: all performers selected to portray characters. Actor: male performer Actress: female performer Cast: all performers selected to portray characters. Director: instructs actors on how to portray characters.

The Theater A building where a play is performed containing the stage and seating area for the audience.

Areas of the Stage Backstage: area behind scenery not visible to audience. Center stage: area in the center of the stage. Downstage: area closest to the audience. Stage left/right: area to actor’s left or right as he/she faces the audience.

Upstage: area furthest away from the audience. Backdrop: painted curtain without fullness. Flats: canvas-covered wooden frames used for scenery. Set: all sets and props that help define the action.

Stage Directions Cue: something that precedes the next action. Cut: to stop the action. Exit: to leave the stage.

Elements of Drama Plot: the main storyline Theme: the basic idea of the play Character: person, animal or thing in the story

Language: formal setting or dialect Dialogue: conversation between two or more characters. Monologue: one person speaking Soliloquy: speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself 

Costumes: clothing worn by an actor on stage to help represent characters. Props: items used on stage to help actors tell a story