Higher Drama Revision Classes Begin with “Guess Who” Game – 10 minutes. Explain purpose – to get pupils used to describing characters! Move on to “Guess Who” using Antigone, TIOBE Characters or characters from main text (teacher make up cards) Antigone Ismene Creon Haemon Tiersius Polyneices Eteocles Oedipus The Messenger Eurydice

Are you ready for your Drama exam Are you ready for your Drama exam? This is your opportunity to show us what you know and what you think, using the correct drama terms. Here are some hints and some notes… The paper itself Do NOT ‘skim read’ the questions. It is wise to take 5 minutes to look through the paper from end to end at the start of your exam time. In the two hours you have, you must select a question for Section 1, (there is only one in section 1), plan your essays, write your essays and check over your exam. Make sure you plan your time wisely! Section 1 involves you demonstrating knowledge of a text you have studied in terms of context and the social, historical and/or theatrical context, showing an understanding of how the text could be communicated to an audience through performance. You should answer as an actor, a director or a designer You will be credited on your ability to make use of appropriate quotations. Section 2 involves you writing one essay based on a performance you have seen (Men Should Weep; Bondagers; Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time; The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black,Black Oil)

Each of the mixed up words /phrases below relates to how voice is given meaning and expression - straighten them out! [small hint, each answer is only one word long…] cacten Anrotictual ytiralc phmesais Fulneyc tnianooitn cape upsea jrtonpceio thpic trresgie hymthr note mulove Individual quiz – peer mark. Stamp goes to those who get 10/10 or highest marks.

Answers… As either a Director or an Actor, how would you use voice to portray your character’s development in The Importance of Being Earnest? Accent Articulation Clarity Emphasis Fluency Intonation Pace Pause Projection Pitch Register Rhythm Tone Volume

Movement Movement is a way of exploring and expressing ideas, emotions and relationships. It can be naturalistic, as in its use as an aid to characterisation, or stylised, expressing abstract ideas as in dance drama, mime, dance and mask work. Improvised movement may provide opportunities for a personal response. Rehearsed movement may allow for the development of ideas or of more stylised movement.

MIME Mime is a stylised form of movement which creates an illusion of reality. This definition is not important to your exam, but all mime should be: S – Simple P – Precise E – Exaggerated C – Clear S - Slow

Give the meanings of these movement terms. Balance Body language Eye contact Facial expression Gesture Mannerisms Mime Naturalistic Posture Positioning Proxemics Rhythm Speed Stance Stylised Timing Use of levels Use of space Use of direction As either a Director or an Actor, or a Designer, how would you use/ engage with movement to portray a character as dominant in Earnest? 10 minutes – complete individually. A stamp goes to the person who completes the most correct definitions. A stamp goes to anyone who attempts to describe their own character’s movement in section 1.

Imagination vs Reality Themes& Issues Social Class Identity Marriage Love Imagination vs Reality Betrayal Honesty List the themes and issues in your text Antigone Pride Individual vs State Conscience vs law Moral/ Divine law vs Human Law Loyalty Gender Tyranny Power & Authority Religion Earnest

Characterisation Characterisation is the investigation and portrayal of a specific character. It can build on role-play by adding individual physical and vocal characteristics. Further development may include the exploration of emotions, attitudes and motivation. The production areas costume, make-up and props may be used to develop and present a character. A variety of techniques can be used in the investigation of characterisation. These may include: As a Director, which of these would you use with your actors? Why? Aside Dialogue Flash-back/ forward Freeze frame/ Frozen picture Mime Monologue Movement Character cards Giving witness Hot seating Improvisation Key moments Mantle of the expert Role play/ Role Reversal Role on the wall Still image/speaking through the image Use of prop Thought tracking Thought tunnel Voices in the head Visualisation exercises Writing in role Complete questions on worksheets As an Actor, which of these would you use to develop your performance? As a Designer, which of these would be helpful for you to develop your ideas?

In characterisation, consideration should be given to the: Character behaviour character motivation character development character interaction relationships between characters dramatic context social context political Context cultural context Protagonist and antagonist Purpose Status As a Director/ Actor/Designer, how would you discover or reveal this information about a main character?

PURPOSE – A drama can be used for the following purposes: Section 2 Why did the Playwright devise this play? Which company presented the version you saw? Why is this a good context in which to present a performance of this play? How did you relate to this as an audience member? communicate a message entertain tell a story educate explore a theme or issue explore and experience Section 1 Why did the Playwright devise this play? Which companies have presented version of this and why? What statement were they making about the time it was staged? How does this relate to your interpretation? Complete questions on worksheets.

Focus will identify key moments or scenes, key characters, key relationships and/or key events within a drama. A target audience is an identifiable group of people at whom a drama is aimed. This relates to both purpose and focus.

Form Provide the correct definition for the following forms the overall style of the drama. Provide the correct definition for the following forms Dance Drama Mime Movement Musical Pantomime Monologue Physical Theatre Play, scripted or improvised forum theatre As a Director, what form would you present your production of Earnest in. Why? As an Actor/Designer, what form would you prefer to work with in a production of Earnest? Why? In 2 teams, complete this activity as “Describe this” Game. (Teacher print out and make up cards) Winning team is the first team to get to 6 Complete questions on worksheet. In what form was the production of curious incident or cheviot, stag performed?

Structure Structure is the way in which time, place and action are sequenced Structure is the way in which time, place and action are sequenced. In a linear, or a chronological, structure the action unfolds from beginning to end. In a non-linear structure the action unfolds through shifts in time (flashback/flashforward) and/or place.

Conventions Conventions are alternative ways of presenting part(s) of a drama.

What are the definitions for the following terms? Aside Dialogue Flash-back Flash-forward Freeze frame Frozen picture Mime Monologue Movement Narration Slow motion Soliloquy Split stage tableau Voice over Section 2 Give an example of any of these you saw in the production of Men Should Weep or Bondagers. Was this a playwright’s intention, or directorial decision? How did it enhance the production of the play in your opinion? Section 1 As a Director/ Actor, give an example of how you would use one of these in your production of Antigone. Justify your answer. Two teams. Buzzer round. Winning team is the first team to 7. Answer questions on worksheet.

MOOD and ATMOSPHERE Mood and atmosphere concern the feelings and emotions aroused by a drama and therefore involve an audience response to what is being seen and heard. There is a link between mood and atmosphere, and tension. Saying “The mood/atmosphere would be tense” will not get you a mark. All mood and atmosphere is based on some sort of tension! Tension - is the driving force of drama. It causes others to want to know what happens next and sustains interest and momentum. It creates challenges and prevents the drama from becoming boring.

Section 1 – Breaking Down the Text Look at each scene – why is each scene important to the whole play? Provides context of the play Begins the plot Introduces key characters Establishes the key themes and issues Character development Relationships Role of individual characters Denouement of the play

Remember PEEL! Point – identify the dramatic feature you will be analysing Evidence – Give a quote that proves your point Explanation – Explain what the quote shows Link – Link back to your question

Will we attempt some questions?