Space and Other Theatre Terms

Question 1

What is a character’s motivation?

Answer 1

A character’s motivation is the driving force/intention behind their actions. A character may have an overriding motive or varying motives throughout the play.

Question 2

What is a character’s objective?

Answer 2

A character’s objective is closely linked with motive, it is the ‘wants of the character’. Objective is more important than motivation

Question 3

What does the term ‘function’ mean when describing a character?

Answer 3

The function of a character is their purpose - why are they in the play? Every single character must have a function and purpose.

Question 4

What does the term ‘trait’ mean when describing a character?

Answer 4

The traits of a character is their distinguishing features or qualities.

Question 5

What are some examples of ‘external traits’ of a character?

Answer 5

• How the character looks
• How they are dressed
• Their physical appearance

Question 6

What are some examples of ‘internal traits’ of a character?

Answer 6

• The character’s thoughts
• Their temperament
• Their disposition
• Their emotion
• Their feelings

Question 7

What does the term ‘status’ mean when describing a character?

Answer 7

The character’s social ranking

Question 8

What are some possible things that may impact a character’s social ranking?

Answer 8

• Personality traits
• Education
• Wealth
• Intelligence
• Physical strength

Question 9

What are 5 types of stages?

Answer 9

• Thrust stage
• Proscenium stage
• Area/In-the-round
• End stage
• Traverse stage

Question 10

What are the key characteristics of a thrust stage?

Answer 10

• The audience are seating on 3 sides of the stage

Question 11

What are the key characteristics of a proscenium stage?

Answer 11

• Located at one end of the auditorium
• Stage is physically separated from the audience space by a proscenium wall
• Occasional called a ‘two-box’ arrangement as the stage and the auditorium occupy two separate rooms
• Creates a ‘picture frame’ around the stage

Question 12

What are the key characteristics of an arena/in-the-round?

Answer 12

• Audience completely surrounds the stage
• Creates a communal environment
• Actors enter the stage through vomitrons

Question 13

What are the key characteristics of an end stage?

Answer 13

• The audience seating and the stage occupy the same space
• The stage is located at one end and the audience is seated in font, facing the stage (like a cinema)

Question 14

What are the key characteristics of a traverse stage?

Answer 14

• Audience is split in half on either side of the stage
• Creates a communal environment