THEATRE I SEM – EXAM REVIEW

STAGE AREAS Know the definitions of the following: Back stage Wings Apron Greenroom Be able to identify the nine stage areas on the diagram

STAGE AREA DIAGRAM

CHARACTER ANALYSIS Know why this is important for every actor and every character that you portray! Know know how to create a written character analysis Include the character’s background, history, idiosyncrasies, likes, dislikes, habits, current situation etc Know where to find information about your character Research The play The author What you create

THE 5 W’S OF CHARACTER ANALYSIS WHO – who is the character, AND who are they talking to? WHAT – what is going on in the scene and what happened just before you enter the scene WHEN – when does the scene take place: the time of day, time of year, time period WHERE – where does the scene take place/the setting/location WHY – why are you speaking (your motivation)? What do you want from the person or people you are speaking to (your objective)

GIVEN CIRCUMSTANCES The 5 W’s are part of the given circumstances Includes the “moment before” You get these from What the author says, the facts the author gives in the script What the character says about themselves What others say about the character What you as an actor bring to the character and the situation of the play, scene or monologue

IMPROVISATION Know the definition of improvisation Know the basic rules of improv Do not try to be funny Be in the moment Never say “no” Don’t deny Always accept what your partner gives you Create a character and a relationship with the other character/person Listen and react honesty to what your partner gives you

STORYTELLING It is the earliest form of acting Don’t just “read” a story… Tell it When storytelling you should Fill the story with action and objectives Create characters Use expression

PANTOMIME Acting using gestures instead of words To be successful in pantomime you must be aware of your surroundings and use your senses to create what is not there You must consider weight Know the three parts of of creating illusion The approach The click (grasp) The release away

SAFETY FOR ACTORS Basic safety rules Do not lean on the “rail” Wearing hair down during rehearsals or in work calls can be dangerous Clean makeup brushes and applicators regularly Do not share eye makeup Do NOT use personal stereo equipment on stage Follow all safety regulations whether spoken or written The major causes of accidents in the theatre are Insufficient knowledge Carelessness Being in a hurry

FIRE SAFETY Every theatre should have an ABC rated fire extinguisher Do not block fire exits for any reason The Fire curtain is designed to separate the audience from the performing area in case of a fire

TERMINOLOGY (KNOW THE DEFINITIONS OF THE FOLLOWING TERMS.) Diaphragm Projection Articulation Dramatic Action Act Acting Area Active Listening Apron Willing Suspension of Disbelief Set Mime Diction Climax Cue Blocking Antagonist Protagonist Inciting Incident Anti Climax Conclusion Pantomime Improvisation

PREPARE FOR THE ESSAY PORTION Know about the Addams Family, if you didn’t see it, rent the movie and watch the movie Know how summarize the character analysis you wrote for your character from your monologue, one-act or Broadway revue.