Theater NotesUnit One

The History of Theater

Aristotle’s Elements of Drama Thought or Theme- the central idea explored

by the playwright (embodies a truth about life) Plot- the story of the play (protagonist’s

conflict with an opposing force) Action- central action of the play (a decision

is made by protagonist)

Aristotle’s Elements of Drama Diction- the language of the play (includes

style, dialect, rhythm, and actual words) Sound- everything heard by the audience

(words and sound effects) Spectacle- everything the audience sees

(scenery, blocking, costumes, dance)

Theater NotesUnit Two

Observation

Observation Sense memory- memory that uses all five

senses to recapture an experience

What is Pantomime? A dramatic performance in which a story is

told or a theme is developed through expressive body or facial movement From the Greek “pantos mimos” which means “we

can act anything” Invented in Rome and based in nature

Animals often pantomime messages, and this is the first mode of communication for humans

Pantomime Mime- a shortened term that refers to pantomime or

someone performing a pantomime You must have mental and physical strength and body

control

Cheating out- turning body partially towards audience while in dialogue to allow audience to see facial expression and hear voice

Motivation- the reason behind a character’s words and movements on stage

The Rules of Movement When onstage, movement must always be

motivated by the intentions of your character. Know why you move.

Movement must be simplified.

Movement must be heightened from real life. Remember, every action counts.

The Rules of Movement Movement must delineate character. It tells

the audience who your character is and develops your relationships with others.

Movement must be towards audience. Keep your body “open”-remember to cheat out.

Adjust to the movement of others. Never upstage another actor.

How to Move Entering- be in position and ready to enter.

Keep your head up. Make sure you can’t see the house seats (if you can, then the audience can see you).

Walking- Create a walk for your character, whether it be normal, jittery, labored, tired, etc.

Standing- stay still, as every movement matters on stage. Fidgeting looks like nervousness.

How to Move Turning- make all turns towards audience. Sitting- be comfortable but don’t slouch unless

required by your character. Rising- Know when you are supposed to stand

and remain in control of your movements. Gestures- be strong and definite with all

movement. Weak gestures look half hearted or unsure.

Exiting- Stay in character until you are entirely offstage.

Movement Onstage- whatever is literally on the stage Offstage- anything not on the stage Blocking- major movements of an actor on

stage Stage Business- minor movements of an

actor on stage Upstaging- taking audience attention away

from another actor

Warm Ups Articulation- Clearly pronounced words

Focus on the clear presence of all consonants and well as the pure formation of vowels

Vocalization- warming up vocal chords by making sounds that imitate the lengthened vowels heard in song

Singing without words

Routine- a series of actions that can be repeated

Stage Fright The feeling of nervousness before or during a

performance Caused by a rush of adrenaline (fight or flight)

How to Deal? Be prepared- know your plan (your lines, your blocking) and have

you character’s thoughts and behaviors firmly in your mind; set your props

Good Posture- this will give the audience an impression of confidence

Breath! Use relaxation techniques- use that extra adrenaline in a way you

can control Change the way you react- some actors use that adrenaline to

boost their performance on stage

Improvisation Improvisation- scenes in which actors make up dialogue and

action on the spot

Dialogue- speech between two or more characters

Ensemble- a group of actors working together as a team (rather than focusing on individuals)

Etiquette- appropriate behavior

Set- to establish definite movements and lines (*also, scenery on stage)

The Rules of Improv Do your best to add to the scene. Don’t

make others pick up your slack. Find reality in the scene, even in the craziest

of the crazy. Take your time. Stay in character. Laughing (when not

appropriate for scene), making personal comments, or denying the reality of the scene will hurt the scene.

Audience Ettiquette(In class and in life) Dress appropriately. Never take pictures. Do not put your feet on the seat in front of

you. Do not talk (don’t even whisper). It is rude. Do not unwrap things (like candy or gum)

during a show. Do not ask to leave unless it is an

emergency.

Audience Ettiquette Arrive early and turn off anything that makes

noise. DO NOT RECEIVE OR MAKE CALLS OR TEXT DURING A PERFORMANCE.

Remove your hat. Don’t leave until the house lights come on. Applaud performers during their curtain calls

and bows. Save standing ovations for truly deserving performances.

Voice Production and Articulation Inflection- variety of vocal pitch that usually

suggests speaker’s mood or attitude Project- to increase voice or actions so they

will carry to audience Diaphragm- the muscle below the rib cage

that aids in voice projection and sustainment

Theater NotesUnit Three

Building Character

Character Analysis Protagonist- the main character; typically, audience

empathy is with this person Antagonist- a main character who opposes the

protagonist External Traits- characteristics that make up

physical appearance Internal Traits- characteristics that make up

personality Dual Role- the actor’s two realities on stage (actor

as actor and actor as character)

Character Analysis Conflict- the dramatic opposition of the

protagonist with society, with peers, or with self

Objectives- goals Obstacle- anything that gets in the way of an

objective Outcome- result Stakes- the consequences that result from an

outcome

Character Development Cue- the last words or action of one actor that

immediately precede another actor’s speech; signal for light changes, curtain, etc.

Cue Pickup- awareness of a cue Denouement- the outcome of the main

conflict in a drama Fourth Wall- the imaginary wall through which

the audience views the play

Character Development Act- the main sections of a play Scene- a part of an act of a play Realistic Play- a play that imitates real life Nonrealistic Play- characters are exaggerated Presentational- a style of play in which the actor

speaks directly to audience Representational- a theatrical style in which the

actor is unaware that the audience is watching

Dramatic Roles Drama- literature written to be performed Tragedy- a drama in which a protagonist

struggles against some force Melodrama- an overly dramatic play that

focuses on cliff-hanging action and intense emotion over character development and motivation

Tragic Flaw- a weakness in a character that ultimately causes protagonist’s destruction

How to Build Dramatic Characters

The actor must convey: Strong characterization Emotional intensity Simplicity of objective motivation

Comedic Roles Comedy- a play that ends happily with an

amusement treatment of life Low- comedy that is physical or sometimes vulgar Middlebrow- comedy based on plot and sentimental

situations (romantic or situation comedies) High- comedy such as satire or manners that makes fun of

political situations, cultural habits, and social standards Comedy of manners- makes fun of attitudes of the

wealthy (originated in 1600s)

Comedic Roles Farce- a physical comedy that exaggerates

situations until that are hardly believable Parody- imitate in a humorous way Satire- comedy that ridicules the foolish

behavior of certain people Rule of Three- the belief that pratfalls,

accidents, and misunderstandings designed to make the audience laugh are only funny three times in a row

How to Control the Giggles Tell yourself the situation is laughable. Let

your character be overtaken by disbelief. As the character tell yourself, through actions

and gestures, that you cannot believe the circumstances.

Turn your laughter into a character trait. Become a character who laughs uncontrollably. This should be a last resort.

Monologue Monologue- a long speech delivered by one

person Soliloquoy- a speech in which one actor

speaks aloud, stating his or her inner thoughts

Aside- words spoken by an actor on stage so that the audience can hear them but the other actors on stage cannot

Monologue On book- when an actor has not memorized

lines Off book- when an actor has memorized

lines, cues and blocking Run lines- to recite the lines of a play without

blocking Run through- a rehearsal during which an

entire scene, act, or play is done without stopping

Monologue Emoting- expressing emotions Fall- the loss of character while on stage Illusion of the first time- the action on stage

seems spontaneous and fresh, as if done for the first time

Convention- an implied agreement by the audience to accept an artistic reality for an everyday reality

Stage Etiquette- Actors Be on time to rehearsals and performances. Know your lines- the sooner the better, but

definitely by your off book date. Pick up your cues. Don’t step on another

actor’s lines or upstage them. Don’t steal attention during another actor’s

lines by over gesturing, moving, or over emoting.

Cover up for an actor who loses lines.

Theater NotesUnit 4

The Production Staff

The Playwright Exposition- the beginning (who, where, what) Conflict- the event that starts the action of the

play Rising Action- build up of tension (obstacles) Crisis- moment when things could get better

or worse Climax- high point of play’s tension Falling Action- wrap up of loose ends Resolution- end of story (result of action)

The Playwright Archetype- a character who represents a

certain stereotype (can symbolize universal ideas about human behavior)

Epic- a long narrative poem that tells the story of a hero and his travels

Workshop- a collaborative meeting used to analyze and develop a play

The Director and Producer Director-a person who interprets a play,

casts, blocks, and helps actors create their characters

Dramaturg- person who assists in play’s production (script evaluation, historical research)

Rehearsals- set practice times during which director blocks scenes and then directs characterization

The Director and Producer Director’s Duties

Getting Started- Auditioning, Setting rehearsal schedule, developing artistic vision for play

Reading and Researching Assembling the Team Assembling the Tools (Prompt or Director’s Book) Following the Schedule

Stage Etiquette- Directors Set schedules at least one week in advance

and stick to it. Be respectful of the opinions and ideas of

other actors and staff members. Be positive. Encourage your cast to do their

best.

The Director and Producer Producer- person who finds financial backing

for play, chooses director, and oversees the daily business

Royalties- money paid to the rights holder of a play (must be paid in order to perform play)

The Producer’s Duties Pay Royalties Publicize! Create Program

The Director and Producer House Manager- Manages house (ticket

sales and concessions, ushers, opening and closing of house, and programs)

House- the seating within the theater; the audience

Front of House- the ticket booth, concessions, and lobby

The Director and Producer Auditions- trying out for roles in a show Callbacks- second round of auditions Cutting- a selection of dialogue used during

an audition Cold reading- auditions for which actors did

not get to pre-read the script or cutting Understudy- an actor who learns a role as a

backup for a main actor

The Director and Producer Casting- the selection of actors for roles Cameo- a one-scene part in a show Strike- to break down the set at a show’s

close Mark- the mark (in blocking) from which an

actor delivers lines Spike- the spot (marked with tape) where set

pieces are placed for a given scene

Blocking Aesthetic Balance- the equal placement of actors on

stage Symmetrical Balance- equal number of actors on

stage, equidistant from center Asymmetrical Balance- use of positioning to balance

an unequal number of actors Direct Focus- when several actors look at one

specific actor Counter Focus- when actors look from one to

another

Blocking Open Stance- full front Floor Plan- a diagram of the walls, doors,

windows, and furniture to be placed on stage Unity- a balance in the variety and kinds of

movement in a play

Stage Combat Hair pulling- one actor grabs another’s hair; actor

being grabbed takes actor’s wrist and goes with movement

Slaps and Punches- one actor aims to hit near victim; the other performs a hidden clap and reels backward with motion

Stabbing- actor stabs a spot near victim (like armpit) Falling- stay relaxed and break fall with knees,

torso, arms, and head Dying- tense immediately and move towards wound

(intense); be short of breath

Theater NotesUnit 5

Technical Theater

Set Design Minimal Set- a set made of two or three fold flats

that create walls Permanent Set- a set that remains in place

throughout production Prism Set- a set made of triangles of flats on wheels Unit Set- a set made of pieces that can be

rearranged Box Set- consists of two or three walls and a ceiling Curtain Set- uses a wall or drapery at the back of

the set

Set Design Cyclorama- a curtain that covers the back walls and

the sides of the stage Flat- basic unit of stage scenery Drop- a curtain the width of the stage painted to

represent scenery Scrim- a gauze like curtain used as a drop (lighting) Teaser- a heavy curtain that adjusts proscenium

height Deck- the stage floor Apron- the area of the stage in front of act curtain

ColorsRed= Passionate, Angry, Agressive

Pink= Childlike, Romantic, Feminine

Violet= Royal, Mystic

Blue= Tranquil, Spiritual, Sad

Green= Natural, Youthful, Jealous

Yellow= Happy, Childlike,

Cowardly, Ill

Orange= Lively, Cheerful

Lighting Functions of Lighting

Visibility Emphasis and mood Logical representation (of sunlight, headlights)

Blackout- a light cue in which entire stage is blackened

Light Designer- the person who designs lighting based on multiple readings of script

Sound Sound Technician- person who runs the

sound during a show Public Domain- a work that belongs to the

public and is free for use Purposes of Sound

Amplify actors’ voices Supply underscoring and dramatic music To provide realism through sound effects

Sound Amplifier- device that provides power supply for

speakers Body Mic- microphone worn on actor’s body Crash Box- a heavy box filled with broken objects

and used for sound effects Equalizer- a device that blends various frequencies Sound Board- device that controls incoming sounds

and allows for mixing and manipulation

Costumes Costume Designer- person who creates the

costume plot and then collects or builds the costumes

Elements of Style Fabric Color- must be in harmony or contrast with set and

identify relationships Decoration- trim on the pieces as well as accessories

Costumes Build- to make a costume Pull- to find a costume in costume closet Rent/Borrow- to rent or borrow from another

company Costume Plot- list of every character and costume

for each scene Costume Parade- trying on costumes to determine

comfort, movement, and lighting Modified Authenticity- when a costume looks period

but isn’t from the actual time period

Makeup Cake- pressed makeup Acetone- used to remove spirit gum Crème- foundation with an oil base Crepe Hair- fake hair made of wool Putty Wax- wax used to reshape areas of the face Spirit Gum- an adhesive used to attach things to

face Stippling- adding texture with short application

strokes Collodion- liquid used to make scars

Makeup Straight Makeup- enhances natural features

and coloring Clean your face Apply foundation Add shadows- the cheek hollows, the jaw line, crease

above eye, the sides of nose Add highlights- directly under eyebrow, cheekbone,

ridge of nose, chin Accent eyes and brows Apply blush and lip color

Makeup Character Makeup- makeup that drastically

changes an actor’s appearance Eyes and brows- eyebrows should hint at character’s

emotion or role in show Crepe Hair Nose and Mouth- Putty wax and spirit gum Beards and Mustaches Scars Missing teeth- black tooth enamel or wax Stage blood

Makeup Aged Makeup- makeup to make an actor look older

Shadow eye sockets, indentations below cheekbones, hollows at temples, sides of nose, corners of mouth, jaw and chin, depressions on neck

Highlight over each eyebrow, in each cheek, at chin point, along lower jaw line, at throat

Use brown liner to create wrinkles at forehead, between eyebrows and outer eye corners, smile lines

Highlight below all wrinkles Blend! Thin out lips with stippling and darker reddish color Whiten hair and eyebrows

Props Properties Master/Mistress- the person who

creates the props plot and then organizes all props

Props Plot- a list of props needed for each scene

Types of Props Decorative- details on stage, such as

paintings, newpapers, and curtains Set dressing- anything that adds to the visual

representation on stage; another word for decorative props

Hand- items used directly by the actors during shows, like letters and telephones

Set- items used to create the set, such as furniture, carpeting, and light fixtures

Stage Etiquette- Technical Staff Keep tools in their proper place when not in

use. When you use things, put them back. Maintain respect for the needs of others on

the stage (i.e. actors). Be careful when using tools. Be careful for

your own safety and the safety of those around you.

Theater NotesUnit 6

Theatre Beyond the Stage

Musical Theatre Musical- dramatic production accompanied

by song and dance Musical Comedy- a comedic drama set to

song and dance (popular in 1920s) Choreographer- designer of show’s dance

numbers Music Director- director of actors, singers,

and dancers in music

Musical Theatre Chorus- a group of signer who provide

backup vocals for principal performers Principals- actors in major roles Production Numbers- elaborate song and

dance sequences in which most of cast performs

Straight Plays- nonmusical plays

How to Choose a Musical? Money- consider royalties, costumes, props,

and sets. How much will you need to spend? How much will you need to earn to break even?

Space- how much room will be available for dance numbers? How much will be available for storage (of costumes, props, and set pieces)?

Cast- do you have singers and dancers able to do what is required for that show?

Other Theatre Forms Multimedia- using more than one medium on

stage at one time Nonlinear- not chronological Performance Art- unstructured dramatic

events in which movement, music, improvisation, and games are presented

Reader’s Theater- seated actors read aloud from a script

Stage to Film Screenplay- a text that has been written for

performance as a film; includes dialogue, audio information, and camera shots

Adaptation- a text modified from its original version to another version

Storyboard- a series of sketches that depict the chronological sequence of a film

Takes- shots recorded to film

Differences between Stage and Film Acting- While theatre requires big, broad

gestures, the film actor can utilize more refined and nuanced expressions

Makeup- While stage makeup can take off or add years, age cannot be easily hidden on film (film makeup must pass the close up test).

Voice and sound- There is not the need for projection to the back of the theater on film.

Differences betweenStage and Film Takes- When filming, an actor can have

numerous takes to perfect a scene; on stage, an actor only has one chance to get a scene “right”.

Continuity- As scenes may be filmed over a number of days, all aspects of the scene, from makeup to costumes to orientation (if an actor held a cup in right hand during one shot, it must remain in that hand) must match.

Differences betweenStage and Film Sequence- While a play is performed from

beginning to end, a film may be filmed out of sequence, dependent upon what makes sense (financially best to film all location shots at once; if an actor must have short hair at beginning of film and long at end, filming end prior to change is best).

Film vs. StageFilm allows for a more focused and

subtle performance. The intimacy factor- film actors can

speak softly and make small gestures to create subtle nuances in emotion

Because the audience’s vision is focused by the camera’s lens, the director has more control over the way the film in viewed.

In film there is more opportunity to use the visual communication modes.

Film can jump through space and time.

Stage allows for a more interactive atmosphere.

Audiences are active participants, as their reactions affect the actors on stage, and vice versa.

Theatre is multidimensional, as audience members are forced to look around the stage.

Theatre utilizes multimedia in set design, lighting, sound, and costuming.

Every performance is unique, as every actor is performing live. Each performance will be different, allowing for multiple views with multiple interpretations.

Movies Development- the creation of a script and the

plan by which the film will be produced Producer usually hires/approves of director,

hires/approves of screenwriters or script, and secures financial resources needed to make film

Working packet- what the producer uses to bring in investors

Working script- a script in progress Preliminary budget List of artists most likely to work on film

Investors pay production costs and advertising; they hope to earn that back plus a percentage of film’s earnings

Movies Preproduction- the phase of filmmaking that must be

completed before the film is shot Casting (producer, director, and casting director) Finalization of filming schedule and budget (production

manager) Creation of shooting script- a version of the script in which

each shot is tracked by a number and type

It is important to note that not all preproduction schedules allow for a rehearsal period. Because film actors are provided numerous takes, the need for rehearsal is not as crucial as when preparing a stage production

Movies Production- the phase of filmmaking during which

the film is shot Soundstage- the location in a studio where the

production of a film is shot Backlot- the outdoor lot where sets are created Postproduction- the phase of filmmaking during

which the editor does his or her work Rough cut- the “first draft” of a film Final cut- the finished film