DRAMAAND

THEATER

DramaProse or verse telling a story intended for representation by actors through dialogue or action.

The Play

Script : printed copy of a play.

Acts : the major sections of a play.

Playwright : person who writes plays.

Scene : small section or portion of a play.

The PeopleActor: male performer

Actress: female performer

Cast: all performers selected to portray characters.

Director: instructs actors on how to portray characters.

The Theater

A building where a play is performed containing the stage and seating area for the audience.

Areas of the StageBackstage: area behind scenery not visible to audience.

Center stage: area in the center of the stage.

Downstage: area closest to the audience.Stage left/right: area to actor’s left or right as he/she faces the audience.

Upstage: area furthest away from the audience.

Backdrop: painted curtain without fullness.

Set: all sets and props that help define the action.

Flats: canvas-covered wooden frames used for scenery.

UpstageBACKSTAGE

BACKSTAGE

Down Stage

Center Stage Stage LeftStage Right

Audience

Stage Directions

Cue: something that precedes the next action.

Cut: to stop the action.

Exit: to leave the stage.

Elements of Drama

Plot: the main storyline

Theme: the basic idea of the play

Character: person, animal or thing in the story

Language: formal setting or dialect

Spectacle: visuals involved on stage

Dialogue: conversation between two or more characters.

Monologue: one person speaking

Costumes: clothing worn by an actor on stage to help represent characters.

Props: items used on stage to help actors tell a story

Creative Dramatics

Improvisation: to make up or perform without preparation.

Pantomime: to communicate without speaking using only facial and body gestures.

Mimicry: to copy or imitate something very closely.

Role Playing : to take on the characteristics of someone or something.

A HISTORY OF DRAMA

   

                                                 

Drama began in ancient Greece dating back to 543 B.C.

It started as choral performances of dancing and singing honoring the Greek god, Dionysus, the god of wine.

The Greeks held their dramas in outdoor theaters called amphitheaters, the largest seating 14,000 people.

Theater at Delphi

Types of Greek Drama

Tragedy: character is confronted with a difficult moral choice and usually ends in his or her death.

Comedy: a humorous entertaining performance with a happy ending.

In Greek drama, the actors all wore masks to help the audience recognize the character they were playing.

The “Agamemnon” Mask

550-534 BC

Located at the bottom of the Acropolis in Athens.

Orchestra

Chorus Proskenion

Skene

Theater of Dionysos