The Structures and Purpose of Drama/Theatre

The Structures and Purpose of Drama/Theatre1.1 What is Drama?Theatre is the performance of drama by live actorsDrama is literature intended for presentation by actors.

Purposes for Drama

Sharing the human experience to express or communicate emotion, feelings, ideas, information through dramatic worksPassing on tradition and culture to express or communicate feelings, ideas, information

PurposesRecreational drama as recreation and for recreational eventsArtistic Expression drama created with the intent to express or communicate emotion, feelings, ideas, information

1.2 The three elements of DramaPerformancetools used by the director and actors to create characters, emotions, and feelings that tell the playwrights story. Technical Aspects of a play outside of the dramatic elements that aid in telling the story.LiteraryEssential Components needs for a Dramatic Production

Performance ElementsCharacter-characters have goals they want to achieve; ideas, events, peopleDialogue A conversation between 2 or more characters to express thoughts, feelings, and action.Monologue A long speech made by one person, often called a soliloquy.Conflict The struggle between opposing forces, ideas, or interests.

Performance ElementsMotivation-that which propels the character towards his/her goalVoice-the voice is one of two primary tools of the actor. Learning to use the voice breathing, projection, and diction.Sensory Recall-recalling a smell, taste or sound will cause the actors reaction to itMonologues ActivityEveryone will pick a monologue, memorize it and perform it on Monday.This will be on your part to have it memorized by Monday.I know this is outside your comfort zone-but this is part of appreciating the arts-and experiencing what real actors do on a daily basis. 1.3 Continuing Drama Elements.

Technical Elements

Set The painted backdrop or backgrounds on a theatrical stage that represent where and when a story or scene takes place.Props Any article, except costume or scenery, held and used during the action of the play (e.g., a drinking glass, a purse, or a weapon).Lighting Illuminates the action of the play. Lighting affects the overall atmosphere or mood of the play.

Technical Elements Costumes the clothing that characters wear including hats, accessories, and masks. Costumes also give information about:Character, Setting, Time, Social Status, and other important information relative to the plot.

Technical ElementsMusic/Sound - music and sound helps create the environment, establish the mood, and aide in telling the story Not made by actorCan be by a live orchestra, taped or a soundtrack.

Technical ElementsMake-up helps the actor create a complete character. Make-up is worn by characters on areas of the body that are visible to the audience (face, arms, legs).

Literacy Elements- Plot StructurePlot or Storyline The plan of action or events of the story. A plot has a beginning, a middle, and an end.Exposition-the giving of information about the plot and characters that helps the audience with background details.Development-a series of events that advances(rising action) the storyline-the building of the plot.Tension-created when the action of the play is compressed-usual leads up to the climaxClimax-the culminating event of the plotReversal/turning point-an even that changes the direction of the action, usual after a shocking discoveryDenouement/Conclusion-the resolution of the plot, events that happen after the climax

Literary Element-CharacterA person portrayed in a drama, novel, or other artistic piece.Protagonist the main character or hero who advances the storyline as he/she attempts to achieve an important goal.Antagonist the opponent or adversary of the hero or main character of a drama.

Literary DevicesTools the playwright and director employ to further enhance the plotSymbolism-a symbol is something that represents something other than itself.Foreshadowing- information early in the text that is later proves to be important for the solution to a problem or insight into a character

1.4 Types of Drama

Comedy a play that treats characters and situations in a humorous way.Tragedy in Greek theater, a play depicting man as a victim of destiny; in modern theater, a serious play in which man is a victim of fate, a character flaw, moral weakness, or social pressure.

TypesMelodrama usually refers to plays based on romantic plots that have little regard for convincing motivation or detailed characterization.Musical a play in which the story is told through a combination of spoken dialogue and musical numbers.Satire a play in which sarcasm, irony, and ridicule are used to expose or attack the foolish behavior of human beings.TypesImprovisation Creating a character or situation using movement and speech, without prior rehearsal.Role-Playing Improvising movement and dialogue to put oneself in anothers place in a particular situation. This is often used to examine the person or situation being improvised.

1.5 Theatre StagesIn the earliest theatrical settings, the storyteller told his story in a circle of on-lookers.It has evolved over time to include four types of stagesProscenium StadiumThrustArenaBlack-Box

StadiumArenaProscenium StageThe actor is on a raised platform in front of the audience.Scenery typically fills the space behind, upstage of, the actor. Entrances to the playing space are made through the scenery.Like a movie theatreKentucky Center for the Arts

Stadium StageHas seating on two sidesLike a basketball court with the sides facing each other

Thrust StageThe actor is surrounded on three sides by the audienceThe fourth side contains the scenery. Entrances to the acting area are through the scenery upstage and through the audience at the two front corners of the stage.

Black-Box StageThe most recent type of stageThe actors and the audience are on the same level and the sets can be moved anywhere in the space.Very intimate, makes the audience feel part of the action

Arena StageThe actor is totally surrounded by the audience. Entrances to the acting area are normally made through the audience at the four corners of the stageDerby Dinner Playhouse

Stage Directions

Inside the Actors StudioThe cast of Modern Family (38mins)