1. The Elements of Drama
6th Grade Language Arts

2. Drama- a story that is meant to be performed
Comes from the Greek Word, “Dran”
Means “To do” or “To Act”
The Doing/Acting Makes Drama

3. Elements of Drama Playwright-the author of a play
Script – the written story available for everyone involved in performing

4. Elements of Drama Actors / Cast -the people who perform
Acts - the units of action
Scenes - parts of the acts

5. Elements of Drama
Characterization -playwright’s technique for making memorable characters

6. Dramatic Speech Dialogue -conversation between or among characters
Monologue - long speech by one single character (private thoughts)

7. Stage Directions- notes in a script that describe how it should be performed (not spoken aloud when read)
Often found in brackets [ ]
or italics or ( )
Describe scenery, props and how characters act, speak, and/or move

8. Stage directions
Stage directions

9. Theater
Where a play takes place
Anywhere can become a theater!

11. Set Construction on the stage that shows time/place
Could be called scenery

12. Props
Small movable items that the actors use to make actions look real

13. Narrator
A speaker who helps to tell the story (usually not a character)
Normally used to give an introduction to the act or scene

14. (Doctor is sitting next to Prince Arthur’s bedside.)
16TH CENTURY DOCTOR: Don't worry Prince Arthur, I've already got the leaches ready to bleed you. You'll be feeling fit as a fiddle in a moment.
(Exit Arthur and 16th Century Doctor.)
NARRATOR: And, that was that. In 1502, at the age of fifteen, Arthur died and the short marriage was over...
(Enter Catherine of Aragon and Stage-Hand.)
CATHERINE OF ARAGON: My Lord, your army won a great victory over the Scottish at Flodden Field.
HENRY VIII: That's wonderful news, Catherine!
NARRATOR: Two years later, there was more good news for Big Hal.
(Stage-hand bows and presents a doll to Catherine of Aragon. Catherine of Aragon happily shows child to Henry VIII.)
CATHERINE OF ARAGON: And, this is our daughter Mary. Doesn't she have a cute smile?
NARRATOR: Unfortunately, Big Hal believed that a male heir was essential to prevent rival claims to the throne leading to another civil war and consolidate the Tudor Dynasty.
HENRY VIII: A daughter? I need a son! What's the matter with you woman? She can't play football and she can't be a strong king.