Dramatic Literature / Theatre - a play; a form of literature that is intended to be performed before an audience. -In a drama, the story is presented through the dialogue and the actions of the characters.

MonologueWhen a character speaks at length to a character or the audience without any interruption DialogueConversation between two or more people that advances the action SoliloquyWhen an actor thinks out loud AsideWhen a character says his thoughts/comments on the actions of a play out loud; meant to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters.

Act A major division of a play; may be used to indicate a change in time or place Scenea division of an act or the play itself

Actorone who performs a role or represents a character in a play Castthe actors who perform in a given play Directorthe person responsible for the direction of the actors in a play; provides the play’s “vision” PlaywrightOne who writes plays, a dramatist Producer The person who puts together a theatrical production and obtains the financial backing. Does hiring, advertising, manages budget etc.

Scriptthe text of a play that includes dialogue and stage directions Stage directionsnotes added to the script of a play, generally in italics or parentheses that provide the line readings, business, blocking etc.

CueA signal from the stage manager to the actor, stage crew, props manager or lighting technician that some predetermined action such as an entrance is required. BlockingDetermining the basic movements of the actors during a play. Sometimes developed by playwright, sometimes developed by actors, but usually supplied by the director. Stage businessAll the actions, EXCLUDING the blocking performed by the actors onstage (ex opening windows, writing letters etc.)

Set the surroundings in which the action of the play develops Props (short for stage properties) Objects used on stage by actors to further the plot or story line or to develop character Costumes clothing worn by the actors in a performance, usually helps to develop character or indicate time period in which play takes place Makeup cosmetics that actors use on stage to make the characters seem natural, aged, or having a particular characteristic such as facial hair or a large nose etc.

Lightingfor visibility and to create mood or special effects. Sound Effectsartificially created or enhanced sounds for a theatrical production (ex. thunder, a car starting, a telephone ringing) WingsThe are immediately off stage left and right where the actors await their cues.

Parts of a stage Up right (UR)Up Center (UC)Up Left (UL) Right (R)Center (C)Left (L) Down Right (DR)Down Center (DC)Down Left (DL) Audience