1. As per core content, students learn about the performance elements of drama (acting, speaking, and non-verbal communication). Each area is rather lengthy (core content) and takes a couple of days to go through. Students are taught how character motivation works and determine it, how to analyze a character, speaking with breath control, projection, vocal expressions, and diction. Also covered are gestures, facial expressions, body alignment, and blocking.

2. ELEMENTS of PERFORMANCE Take notes on EVERYTHING UNDERLINED!!!

3. What the actors do on stage to make a character come alive.

4. I. ACTING: a. Character Motivation What a character does and why they do it. Some examples of motivating a character: money war disease death Relationship(s)

5. S W B S WRITE THIS DOWN FOR AN EXAMPLE OF CHARACTER MOTIVATION O M E B O D Y A N T E D U T O Character Goal/Motivation Conflict Resolution

6. SWBS of the 3 Little PigsSomebodyWantedButSo Piggies Shelter (house) The wolf came along (hungry) and “blows” 2 of the piggies’ house down. The 2 “lazy” pigs run to the 3 rd pig’s house and they end up defeating the wolf.

7. SWBS of Frosty the SnowmanSomebodyWantedButSo Frosty To play with the children. The sun was warming things up. He went to the North Pole to come back again someday (next winter).

8. SWBS of RudolphSomebodyWantedButSo Rudolph To be accepted by the other reindeer and be a part of Santa’s sleigh team. His red nose was made fun of by the other reindeer and he was not allowed to play any reindeer games. On a foggy and snowy Christmas Eve, Santa came to Rudolph for help to guide his sleigh that night.

9. I. ACTING: (cont.) b. Character Analysis Analyzing a character to find out what they are like in the story. Choose four from the list above and write them down as examples in your notes. Physical Traits: what the character looks like; how he/she dresses; how he moves Personality traits Motivation Behavior/Actions Relationships to other characters in the story or how others see him/her. Weaknesses/Faults Strengths/Virtues History and Background Does the character have a function in the story?

10. Analyze the characteristics of this character: tall, black costume, red lightsaber, probably evil. ANYMORE????

11. List characteristics of this character: Yellow, square, brown pants, red tie, goofy ANYMORE????

12. List characteristics of this character: ANYMORE???? Nerd, wears suspenders, pants up, shows socks

13. II.SPEAKING: a. Breath Control The ability to provide a good supply of air to the vocal chords.

14. SPEAKING (cont.) b. Projection Making sure your voice is heard by everyone, from the front to the back. THIS IS NOT YELLING!!! Proper instruction and vocal exercises will help with the projection of the voice.

15. SPEAKING (cont.) c. Vocal Expression Being able to create a unique voice that represents a character and their feelings and emotions. HOW WOULD YOU VOCALIZE THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS?

16. SPEAKING (cont.) d. Diction Speaking so everyone understands what you are saying. Clear and correct pronunciation of words is very important for an actor. If the actor doesn’t pronounce their words clearly, then no one in the audience is going to understand them.

17. III. Non-verbal Expression: a. Gestures Communication made with a part of the body.

18. Good Job! No Good! BRING IT ON!!! Good Luck.You Talkin’ To ME??? I don’t know!

19. Non-verbal Expression (cont.): b. Facial Expressions Shows emotions.

20. Example Facial Expressions EaseHappyLaughter Smug or Vain Doubt or Disinterest Surprised or Amazed AngerHate Aggresive Fear or Shock Love or Daydream Punch Drunk SadBoredMildSuspicion Pain or Strain Mixed Emotions

21. Non-verbal Expression (cont.): c. Body Alignment How the actor’s body is turned while on stage.

22. Full Front To deliver important lines ¼ Turn (left of right Two actors share a scene ½ Turn (left or right) For arguments of comic effects ¾ Turn (to right or left) To “give” a scene to another actor Full Back Rarely used; Special Cases AUDIENCE POSITIONS

23. Non-verbal Expression (cont.): d. Character Blocking and Movement Blocking is planning the movement of the actor for the play. The stage is divided up into sections to help the director “block” the play and provide a “road map” for the actors.

24. AUDIENCE DOWN STAGE CENTER STAGE UP STAGE

25. AUDIENCE RIGHTRIGHT CENTERCENTER LEFTLEFT

26. STAGE GRID (FROM THE ACTOR’S PERSPECTIVE) Up Right Right Center Down Left Up Left Left Center Down Right Center Stage Up Center Down Center

27. TYPES OF STAGES Dressing Rooms Costume Shop Scene Shop Proscenium Opening Apron Orchestra Pit STAGE PROSCENIUM STAGE

28. TYPES OF STAGES Scene Shop Costume Shop Back Stage STAGE Audience THRUST STAGE

29. Audience STAGE TYPES OF STAGES ARENA STAGE