Creative Response 2014 Drama Performance Guidelines

Elements of Drama Role & character Role & character Focus Focus Tension Tension Time Time Place Place Situation Situation Space Space Structure Structure Language Language Sound Sound Movement Movement Rhythm Rhythm Moment Moment Atmosphere Atmosphere Symbols All work together to create: Symbols All work together to create: Dramatic Meaning Which results in: Dramatic Meaning Which results in: Audience Engagement Audience Engagement

What Are We Looking For? Length: 3-5 minutes. Ish. Length: 3-5 minutes. Ish. What is your narrative? What is your narrative? Authenticity of voice, body language & costume Authenticity of voice, body language & costume Use of space & set (don’t just use tables and chairs) Use of space & set (don’t just use tables and chairs) Mastery of the elements of drama Mastery of the elements of drama Expand our understanding of the themes & issues highlighted in your play Expand our understanding of the themes & issues highlighted in your play Close is not good enough, but it’s better than nothing. Close is not good enough, but it’s better than nothing.

Narrative Your story requires tension. Your story requires tension. Where is the focus? Where is the focus? “Can I just stage part of the script?” “Can I just stage part of the script?” Well, technically yes, but… Well, technically yes, but…

Consider Voice Variety of intonations Variety of intonations Variety of volumes Variety of volumes Variety of paces Variety of paces Authenticity of emotion, accent, etc. Authenticity of emotion, accent, etc.

Consider Posture Approaching/warm Approaching/warm Leaning forward in an attentive manner Leaning forward in an attentive manner Withdrawn/cold Withdrawn/cold Drawing back or turning away Drawing back or turning away Proud/conceited Proud/conceited Expanded chest, straight back, head held high & raised shoulders Expanded chest, straight back, head held high & raised shoulders Sad/submissive Sad/submissive Head/eyes downcast, body slumped, shoulders drooping, chest sunken Head/eyes downcast, body slumped, shoulders drooping, chest sunken

Consider Gesture Hands up – surrender, peace Hands up – surrender, peace Head nod – agreement, attentive listening, excitement Head nod – agreement, attentive listening, excitement Head shake – disagreement, disapproval Head shake – disagreement, disapproval Hand clap – agreement, excitement Hand clap – agreement, excitement Finger point – directions, accusations Finger point – directions, accusations Hand covering mouth – lying Hand covering mouth – lying Hand covering face – afraid Hand covering face – afraid Hands clenched – frustration Hands clenched – frustration Hands fiddling – nervous Hands fiddling – nervous Fists clenched – angry Fists clenched – angry Nail-biting - insecure Nail-biting - insecure

Consider Costuming & Setting What space will you use & how? What space will you use & how? What props do you need? (minimal is best) What props do you need? (minimal is best) What clothing do you need? What clothing do you need?

Rationale Mention your use of dramatic elements Mention your use of dramatic elements Discuss use of symbolism Discuss use of symbolism Demonstrate you were aware of your dramatic choices, and each choice had an impact Demonstrate you were aware of your dramatic choices, and each choice had an impact

Any Questions? Workshop Your Ideas