The Elements of Drama 7th Grade Language Arts

Essential Question How does drama provide the reader a different experience than prose (short stories, novels) or poetry? How is drama different from television?

Drama Comes from the Greek Word, “Dran” Means “To do” or “To Act” The Doing/Acting Makes Drama

Drama… …is a story told in front of an audience

Elements of Drama Playwright-the author of a play Actors-the people who perform Acts-the units of action Scenes-parts of the acts

Dramatic Speech Dialogue-conversation between or among characters Monologue-long speech by one single character (private thoughts)

Conflict The internal or external struggle between opposing forces, ideas, or interests that create dramatic tension.

Stage Directions Found in brackets [ ] Describe scenery and how characters speak C, Center Stage L, Stage Left R, Stage Right U, Upstage or Rear D, Downstage or Front

Theatre Where a play takes place

Set Construction on the stage that shows time/place Could be called Scenery

Props Small movable items that the actors use to make actions look real

Characterization Is the playwright’s technique for creating believable characters. Indirect Direct

Types of Drama Drama is used to describe plays that address a serious subject.

Types of Drama Comedy is a form of drama that has a happy ending. Humor comes from the dialogue and situations.

Types of Drama Tragedy is a form of drama in which events lead to the downfall of the main character, often a person of great significance, like a king or hero.

Conflict Problem of the Play. A.K.A. a disagreement between characters or ideas in a play.

Costumes

Dialogue

Improvisation To adlib or invent dialogue not in the script. Improve video

Mimicry The act or practice of imitating another person or action. Example. Someone is talking and someone in the back is pretending to say the same thing and perform the same actions.

Monologue A dramatic presentation made by one person, also called a soliloguy.