The Structures and Purpose of Drama/Theatre

1.1 What is Drama? Theatre is the performance of drama by live actors Drama is literature intended for presentation by actors.

Purposes for Drama Sharing the human experience – to express or communicate emotion, feelings, ideas, information through dramatic works Passing on tradition and culture – to express or communicate feelings, ideas, information

Purposes Recreational – drama as recreation and for recreational events Artistic Expression – drama created with the intent to express or communicate emotion, feelings, ideas, information

1.2 The three elements of Drama Performance tools used by the director and actors to create characters, emotions, and feelings that tell the playwright’s story. Technical Aspects of a play outside of the dramatic elements that aid in telling the story. Literary Essential Components needs for a Dramatic Production

Performance Elements Character-characters have goals they want to achieve; ideas, events, people Dialogue – A conversation between 2 or more characters to express thoughts, feelings, and action. Monologue – A long speech made by one person, often called a soliloquy. Conflict – The struggle between opposing forces, ideas, or interests.

Performance Elements Motivation-that which propels the character towards his/her goal Voice-the voice is one of two primary tools of the actor. Learning to use the voice breathing, projection, and diction. Sensory Recall-recalling a smell, taste or sound will cause the actor’s reaction to it

Monologues Activity Everyone will pick a monologue, memorize it and perform it next Thursday. This will be on your part to have it memorized by Thursday. I know this is outside your comfort zone-but this is part of appreciating the arts-and experiencing what real actors do on a daily basis.

1.3 Continuing Drama Elements. Technical Elements Set – The painted backdrop or backgrounds on a theatrical stage that represent where and when a story or scene takes place. Props – Any article, except costume or scenery, held and used during the action of the play (e.g., a drinking glass, a purse, or a weapon). Lighting – Illuminates the action of the play. Lighting affects the overall atmosphere or mood of the play.

Technical Elements Costumes – the clothing that characters wear including hats, accessories, and masks. Costumes also give information about: Character, Setting, Time, Social Status, and other important information relative to the plot.

Technical Elements Music/Sound - music and sound helps create the environment, establish the mood, and aide in telling the story Not made by actor Can be by a live orchestra, taped or a soundtrack.

Technical Elements Make-up – helps the actor create a complete character. Make-up is worn by characters on areas of the body that are visible to the audience (face, arms, legs).

Literacy Elements- Plot Structure Plot or Storyline – The plan of action or events of the story. A plot has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Exposition-the giving of information about the plot and characters that helps the audience with background details. Development-a series of events that advances(rising action) the storyline-the building of the plot. Tension-created when the action of the play is compressed-usual leads up to the climax Climax-the culminating event of the plot Reversal/turning point-an even that changes the direction of the action, usual after a shocking discovery Denouement/Conclusion-the resolution of the plot, events that happen after the climax

Literary Element-Character A person portrayed in a drama, novel, or other artistic piece. Protagonist – the main character or hero who advances the storyline as he/she attempts to achieve an important goal. Antagonist –the opponent or adversary of the hero or main character of a drama.

Literary Devices Tools the playwright and director employ to further enhance the plot Symbolism-a symbol is something that represents something other than itself. Foreshadowing- information early in the text that is later proves to be important for the solution to a problem or insight into a character

1.4 Types of Drama Comedy – a play that treats characters and situations in a humorous way. Tragedy – in Greek theater, a play depicting man as a victim of destiny; in modern theater, a serious play in which man is a victim of fate, a character flaw, moral weakness, or social pressure.

Types Melodrama – usually refers to plays based on romantic plots that have little regard for convincing motivation or detailed characterization. Musical – a play in which the story is told through a combination of spoken dialogue and musical numbers. Satire – a play in which sarcasm, irony, and ridicule are used to expose or attack the foolish behavior of human beings.

Types Improvisation – Creating a character or situation using movement and speech, without prior rehearsal. Role-Playing – Improvising movement and dialogue to put oneself in another’s place in a particular situation. This is often used to examine the person or situation being improvised.

1.5 Theatre Stages In the earliest “theatrical” settings, the storyteller told his story in a circle of on-lookers. It has evolved over time to include four types of stages Proscenium Stadium Thrust Arena Black-Box

Stadium Arena

Proscenium Stage The actor is on a raised platform in front of the audience. Scenery typically fills the space behind, upstage of, the actor. Entrances to the playing space are made through the scenery. Like a movie theatre Kentucky Center for the Arts

Stadium Stage Has seating on two sides Like a basketball court with the sides facing each other

Thrust Stage The actor is surrounded on three sides by the audience The fourth side contains the scenery. Entrances to the acting area are through the scenery upstage and through the audience at the two front corners of the stage.

Black-Box Stage The most recent type of stage The actors and the audience are on the same level and the sets can be moved anywhere in the space. Very intimate, makes the audience feel part of the action

Arena Stage The actor is totally surrounded by the audience. Entrances to the acting area are normally made through the audience at the four corners of the stage Derby Dinner Playhouse

Stage Directions

Inside the Actor’s Studio The cast of Modern Family (38mins)