The Elements of Drama

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 - author of a play Script – text of a play Actors - people who perform Acts - units of action Scenes - parts of the acts

Dramatic Speech Dialogue - conversation between or among characters Monologue - long speech by one single character Soliloquy – character alone on stage reveals private thoughts to the audience. Aside – a brief remark that a character expresses to the audience.

Characters – actors Conflict – struggle Plot – sequence of events Climax – point of greatest tension

Stage Directions Sets of bracketed information that tells what the stage looks like and how characters should move and speak Center Stage = C Stage Left = L Stage Right = R Upstage or Rear = U.S. Downstage (front)= D.S.

Theatre Where a play takes place

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

Props Movable objects that the actors use to make actions look real

Dramatic Effect - illusion of reality Theme – insight into life Dramatic Conventions – methods to enhance the story

Types of Drama Ancient Greeks developed drama and created two types: Comedy and Tragedy.

Comedy a form of drama that has a happy ending. Stresses the weaknesses of ordinary people or society.

Tragedy Tragedy is a form of drama in which events lead to the downfall of the main character, like a king or hero. Tragic hero – main character Tragic flaw – mistaken action or defect in character Chorus – group that comments on the action Dramatic irony – audience knows but characters don’t

The Globe

The Globe The Globe is an open air theater. This model shows the stage from above

“The Heavens” “The Pit” 1penny

The the walls and settings are made to look elaborate. Seemingly marble columns are just paint

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