Drama Is defined as a literary genre meant to be performed. Generally we refer to it as a play

The Play Is a representation of man in action. Is a representation of man in action. It is meant to be performed and viewed by playgoers It is meant to be performed and viewed by playgoers A play consists of scenes: episodes within a play. A play consists of scenes: episodes within a play. It also consists of acts: parts or divisions in a play like chapters in a book. It also consists of acts: parts or divisions in a play like chapters in a book. A playwright presents characters through A playwright presents characters through dialogue,appearance,their actions and manner of speech

A drama like a short story has plot In drama a plot is a series of planned related events. The part in which the conflict is introduced, developed and resolved. In drama a plot is a series of planned related events. The part in which the conflict is introduced, developed and resolved.

Parts of a Dramatic Plot Exposition/Introduction Exposition/Introduction Explains who the characters are and why they are there Explains who the characters are and why they are there It establishes the setting It establishes the setting It establishes the mood It establishes the mood Introduces the conflict Introduces the conflict

Rising Action The rising action of a play makes the audience wonder what the outcome of the play will be. The rising action of a play makes the audience wonder what the outcome of the play will be. It includes a series of small incidents that intensify the conflict and make it increasingly difficult to resolve. It includes a series of small incidents that intensify the conflict and make it increasingly difficult to resolve.

Climax/Crisis Reveals a decision, action or event which determines the outcome of the conflict. Reveals a decision, action or event which determines the outcome of the conflict.

Resolution Resolves the conflict Resolves the conflict Answers the question asked by the play Answers the question asked by the play Solves the problem Solves the problem

Setting in a Play The time, place and circumstance The time, place and circumstance This is done by the playwright by stage directions (right, left, indoors, outdoors, upstage, downstage, lighting, etc.) This is done by the playwright by stage directions (right, left, indoors, outdoors, upstage, downstage, lighting, etc.) Helps establish the mood and the atmosphere of the play Helps establish the mood and the atmosphere of the play

Conflict In drama conflict is acted out In drama conflict is acted out It is a struggle between opposing forces It is a struggle between opposing forces It acted out as the characters move and speak on stage It acted out as the characters move and speak on stage

Characters Person in a play Person in a play We learn about characters through We learn about characters through Costumes Costumes Dialogue Dialogue actions actions

There may be many types of characters in a play 1. Dynamic: always changing and growing 2. Static: remaining the same 3. Flat: showing one or a few characteristics. 4. Round: well developed character showing many characteristics 5. Foil: a character used to set of another character by contrast. Opposite

Three types of plays 1. Tragedy: modern day dramas raise moral or psychological questions about man’s existence. In tragedy the central character brings about a series of unhappy, or disastrous events. The central character in a drama is called the “Tragic hero”. A person with whom the audience can empathize.

2.Comedy Involves the humorous treatment of an unusual incident., character or thought Involves the humorous treatment of an unusual incident., character or thought Comedy has a happy ending Comedy has a happy ending Comedy is the most difficult play to perform on stage Comedy is the most difficult play to perform on stage

3.Melodrama Combines both aspects of tragedy and comedy and is often called tragic comedy Combines both aspects of tragedy and comedy and is often called tragic comedy The typical melodrama has a villain, clown or comic character and “good people”. The typical melodrama has a villain, clown or comic character and “good people”. Combines the serious action of a tragedy with the happy ending of a comedy Combines the serious action of a tragedy with the happy ending of a comedy

Three different types of stages 1. Proscenium stage: is designed to be seen from the front only. 2. Platform stage: units of wooden frames covered with painted canvas or muslin 3. Arena stage: theatre in the round

Terms to Know Antagonist: a character or force against which another character struggles. Antagonist: a character or force against which another character struggles. Protagonist: the main character of a literary work Protagonist: the main character of a literary work Nemesis: agent of retribution (a person who punishes) Nemesis: agent of retribution (a person who punishes)

Terms continued Dramatic irony: occurs when the audience knows something that the character on stage is not aware. Dramatic irony: occurs when the audience knows something that the character on stage is not aware. Tragic flaw: a weakness or limitation of character, resulting in the fall of the tragic hero. Could be one trait. Tragic flaw: a weakness or limitation of character, resulting in the fall of the tragic hero. Could be one trait. Soliloquy: a speech ina play that is meant to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters on stage. If no characters are present it is to represent the character thinking aloud. A way of letting the audience know what is in the character’s mind. Soliloquy: a speech ina play that is meant to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters on stage. If no characters are present it is to represent the character thinking aloud. A way of letting the audience know what is in the character’s mind.

Terms continued Terms continued Scenario: is a synopsis or outline of a play. The purpose of which is to clarify the whole play in the writer’s mind and to make the writer’s wishes absolutely clear to the producer. Scenario: is a synopsis or outline of a play. The purpose of which is to clarify the whole play in the writer’s mind and to make the writer’s wishes absolutely clear to the producer. Subplot: a longer play often include a second conflict which furnishes the basis for the subplot; creates a second line of interest in the play. A subplot should not overpower the main plot. Subplot: a longer play often include a second conflict which furnishes the basis for the subplot; creates a second line of interest in the play. A subplot should not overpower the main plot.

Creating a Play Who is involved? What are they responsible for?

Producer Co-ordinates and is responsible for the whole production both technical and artistic. Co-ordinates and is responsible for the whole production both technical and artistic. The troubleshooter The troubleshooter Liason between all departments Liason between all departments Make sure everything runs smoothly and is under control Make sure everything runs smoothly and is under control

Stage Manager Runs efficient rehearsals Runs efficient rehearsals Controls all backstage activities once the show has started Controls all backstage activities once the show has started Makes sure the show is technically sound and running smoothly Makes sure the show is technically sound and running smoothly Organization is crucial Organization is crucial Works closelt with the director Works closelt with the director

Property Head Responsible for obtaining, operating and returning stage props. Responsible for obtaining, operating and returning stage props. Keeps clear legible props lists Keeps clear legible props lists Keeps in contact with director to note changes Keeps in contact with director to note changes

Furnishings Obtain furniture for the sets Obtain furniture for the sets Care for and return props Care for and return props Keep in close contact with director Keep in close contact with director

Director The artistic coordinator of the entire show The artistic coordinator of the entire show Responsible for the cast Responsible for the cast Works with the stage manager and others Works with the stage manager and others Must be consulted on all artistic decisions Must be consulted on all artistic decisions

Set and Costume Designers Beware of budget and space/facilities Beware of budget and space/facilities Prepare model and clear instructions Prepare model and clear instructions Constant check on construction and painting Constant check on construction and painting Be available to discuss problems Be available to discuss problems Attend costume rehearsals Attend costume rehearsals

Set Co-ordinator/Painter Helps the designer realize his design Helps the designer realize his design

Wardrobe Responsible for costumes Responsible for costumes Realize the costume designer’s designs Realize the costume designer’s designs Responsible for accessories Responsible for accessories

Make Up Actors should do their own if possible Actors should do their own if possible Supervisor needed in charge of obtaining and applying special effects Supervisor needed in charge of obtaining and applying special effects Arrange for rehearsals with make up and lights Arrange for rehearsals with make up and lights Supervise all make up Supervise all make up

Lighting and Sound Designing and actual running of sound and lights Designing and actual running of sound and lights Cue sheet Cue sheet

Actor/Actress All persons participating in the drama whether it be a staged play, television play or radio play. All persons participating in the drama whether it be a staged play, television play or radio play. This individual must take on the persona of the character developed by the playwright. This individual must take on the persona of the character developed by the playwright.