1. Introduction to Drama unit
Section 5
Introduction to conventions

2. Learning Intentions By the end of this section you will:
Know what a convention is.
Know what a Freeze Frame, narration, split scene and flashback are.
Have worked in groups to create performances that use conventions.

3. A convention is an alternative way of presenting parts of a drama.
What is a convention?
A convention is an alternative way of presenting parts of a drama.
They make the drama exciting and change the structure of the story so that the audience are not getting bored.

4. Freeze Frame
Important aspects to remember when creating a freeze frame:
You have done freeze frames in previous drama lessons can you remember some of the things you need to consider when creating a freeze frame?
Use of levels
Use of angles
Masking
Use of space to suggest relationship or place
Facial Expression
Body language
Use of direction
Positioning
Balance

5. Task
In groups, using your knowledge of voice, movement and space, create a FREEZE FRAME called ‘The Argument’.
In your freeze frame, there should be two people having the argument and the rest should be listening in.

6. Narration
Narration is when parts of the drama are told as a story by a narrator.
In your groups you should have one person come out of your freeze frame to narrate the story.

7. Task
In the same groups choose one person to be the narrator. They will come out of the freeze frame and describe what is happening.
Make sure you tell the audience:
Who is involved.
Where they are.
What they are arguing about.

8. Split Scene
A split scene is where one half of the action comes to life while the other half of the action stays frozen.

9. Task Your performance should begin with your argument freeze frame.
Then the two characters who are arguing will come to life while the people who are listening stay frozen.
Once they have finished they will freeze and the characters that are listening will come to life.
Your performance should finish with everyone returning to the freeze frame.

10. Acting out an event in the past.
What is a flashback?
Acting out an event in the past.

11. The Task In the present In the past
Begin with your ‘Argument’ Freeze frame.
In the past
Show a flash back of what happened before the argument, e.g. what caused it?
Finish by returning to your original freeze frame.

12. Self Evaluation
When writing your self evaluation you should think about:
What you think you did well.
What you think you could improve on next time.
Did the audience understand what was happening in your performance?
Was the narration loud and clear?
Did you work well as a group?