AN INTRODUCTIONTO THEATRE

Welcome !

WHAT’S UP WITH SPELLING?

Theatre vs. Theater – which

is right?They both are!

Historically, “theatre” has always been used by insiders as a sign of respect for the art form and to distinguish stage productions from other types of

performance.Since the advent of the movie industry in the early 20th century, “theater” has been used to identify a

building where movies are shown.

SO, WHAT IS THEATRE?

A physical space for presenting plays, movies, and other performances – can be a building or an outside spaceA medium which must include 3 elements:

• A script or message• Performer(s) to deliver message• An audience to receive message

A creative art form with its own unique elements

and tools.

…AND…

An essential part of the living of life• The “role playing” of children• The “drama” of social interaction• The history of all societies includes

evidence of some form of theatre for a variety of social purposes.

• We are surrounded by various theatrical elements throughout our entire lives.

“All the world’s a stage,And all the men and women merely

players.They have their exits and their

entrances,And one man in his time plays many

parts,His acts being seven ages…”

~Shakespeare, As You Like It, II.7

ANCIENT THEATRE

First records of dramatic arts are traced to the context of religion in all primitive societies.Faced with terrors of nature (volcanoes, hurricanes, plagues, etc…) primitive communities turned to their instinctive response to rhythm and melody as a channel to communicate with the intangible forms of nature.Song and Dance summoned and entertained the awesome beings who controlled life.

A great sense of pleasure and well-being was derived by participants in dramatic rituals.Historically, theatre is a social art – enhancing and reflecting religious and political beliefs and moral and social concerns among a social group.Because of its social importance, theatre has been both loved and hated at various times in history. Some cultures think of participants as heroes and others see them as the lowest life form.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE MASKS?

MASKS….

Have been used since antiquity for

performance and ritual.

They’ve long been associated with theatre.

During the Renaissance and 1700-1800’s

masks were commonly worn to “masques” or

masquerade balls

Also now associated with Marde Gras

…AND NOW…

NEW YEARS EVE 2011

Welcome to Theatre Class

I hope you have a GREAT semester!!!

Ms. Birtcher 2012