Intro to TheatreStudy Guide, Chapters 1-3

How old is theatre as a form?What are the three basic elements of theatre?What is meant by the “fine arts?” What are some examples of fine arts categories:

What is included in the performing arts, visual arts, and literary artsWhat is the difference between popular and elitist culture?Know what “willing suspension of disbelief” means.Know what is meant by “aesthetic distance” and empathy.What are the 5 special qualities of theatre? (ephemerality, etc)Know the differences between film and live theatre .How do audiences influence theatrical productions?What are the three steps in evaluating a theatrical experience?

(experience, analyze, communicate)What are the three basic concerns of the critic in evaluating a show?

(understanding, effectiveness, ultimate worth)What are some qualities a critic should have?How does reading a play differ from other literature?What is dramatic action in a play?What are the most common methods of organizing dramatic action?What are Aristotle’s 6 parts of drama? Be able to list these.Know the definition of the following parts of a play and where they occur:

Exposition, inciting incident, complications, discoveries, climax, crises, resolution, denouement.What are the four levels of characterization? Be able to list.

(biological, societal, psychological, ethical)How is character revealed?Know what is meant by : plot, character, thought, diction, music, and spectacle, and what is included in each category.

What are examples of “spectacle?” What is included in “sound?”What are the two most basic forms of drama? Characteristics of each?What is the “protagonist” of a play?How does “style” affect a production?What are characteristics of tragedy? Characteristics of comedy? How does “aesthetic distance” work in comedy?