Theatre Studies Flashcards
(20 cards)
Elements of Theatre Composition
Elements of Theatre Composition
· Variation
· Emphasis
· Contrast
· Cohesion (Unity & Balance)
· Rhythm
· Motion
Theatre Technologies must be included in all stages:
Planning Stage ie. Computer for Dramaturgy/Email
Development ie. Hinge is considered mechanical theatre technological. Wheels, Velcro, Studs, Buttons
Production ie. Performance, Lighting, Sound
Context
Context
Time - Place - Setting - Culture - Language
THREE STAGES:
Planning - Development - Presentation (Bump in to Bump Out)
Planning:
§ Introduction To Script
§ Aims
§ Establishing Concept
§ Dramaturgy
§ Evaluation of Stage and Production Process
Development:
§ Rehearsals
§ Trialing
§ Refining
§ Evaluation of current stage
Presentation:
§ Bumping In
§ Tech/Dress Rehearsals
§ Performance
§ Bumping Out
§ Evaluation/Analysis
· Dramaturgy
Eclectic with Elements of…
style
· Dramaturgy > Production Research
Eclectic with Elements of… > Productions are not limited to one style > ie. Music Theatre/Epic Theatre
Analyze -
Analyze - Mechanics, Who, What, When, Where, Why - Hardest, why is subjective but not how effective something is. You have to articulate your opinion of why, as long as you have evidence, you are right.
Objective
Closely linked to motive, what is their main goal (Objective is more important than motivation
Function/Purpose
Attributed to the playwirght
Function/Purpose
Attributed to the playwirght - Why is the character in the script? (Every exam will ask for function of a character)
Traits
Traits
Distinguishing features or qualities of a character. 4 Expressive Skills, Voice, Gesture, Movement, Facial Expression.
Can be external or internal. Internal: Thoughts, Temperament, Disposition, emotion. External: Looks, Clothing
WHAT DOES Space Mean??
WHAT DOES Space Mean??
· Intimate vs. Vast
· Changing vs. static
· Constrained vs. Open
Stage Space Terminology.
Apron: The part of the stage floor in front of the curtain line
Stage Left: The Left half of stage from the actor’s point of view
Stage Right: The Right half of the stage from the actor’s point of view
Upstage: The End of the stage closest to the back of the theatre
Downstage: The end of the stage closest to the audience
Stage Types:
Thrust Stage:
Challenges:
Solutions:
Arena and In-The-Round:
End Stage:
Traverse Stage:
Proscenium (Arch) Stage:
Flexible Stage (Black Box):
Stage Types:
Thrust Stage: The audience is on three sides.
Challenges: Back is to audience most of the time, set obstructs view.
Solutions: minimalistic sets.
Arena and In-The-Round: Audience is on all sides. Same problems as thrust, just exemplified.
End Stage: Creates a less intimate environment, depending on space eg. Spelling Bee stage
Traverse Stage: Audience is on parallel sides of the stage, exit and entry points on either end of the stages.
Proscenium (Arch) Stage: A ‘Picture frame stage’ eg. The Ballet
Flexible Stage (Black Box): A black empty room with flexible seating configurations
Scrim:
Scrim: When there is no direct light on it, it’s just fabric. When there is light directly on it (from front), it becomes translucent. When it is backlit, you can use shadows.
Representational vs. Presentational
Representational vs. Presentational
· Representational = Naturistic
· Presentational = Very much Show atmosphere, very obviously a ‘performance’
Production role director
PLANNING
PLANNING
Annotate the script outlining theatrical possibilities including blocking, characterisation and the formation of a Dramatic
Vision/Artistic Concept
Discussion in class of a ‘Dramatic Vision’ for the show, including ideas related to overall themes and concepts from the script
Undertake appropriate Research of the script and the appropriate Context(s) and Theatre Style(s) for Presentation
Undertake Research into the Production role of Direction
Overseeing the Audition process including script selection and casting
Clearly articulating a finalised ‘Dramatic Vision’ to all Production areas
Work with each Production area, setting your artistic expectations
Creation of a Rehearsal Schedule (to be clarified by the Producer)
Maintain appropriate documentation of the Production Planning stage in this Production area using theatre terminology appropriately
Submit a Status Report to Producer outlining strengths and AFI’s (Areas for Improvement) within the Production Planning stage in
this Production area using theatre terminology appropriately
Production role director DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT
Constant collaboration with ALL Production areas in the maintenance of the Dramatic Vision
Constant communication with Producer discussing any issues re the Dramatic Vision being met.
Trialling and experimenting with different blocking or acting possibilities for the show, e.g. trialling part of a scene where the actors
can be seen but not heard, then heard but not seen
Blocking of each scene clearly marked and noted
Clear notes for cast and crew after each rehearsal
Provide clear details as to how you wish the show to be run.
Maintain appropriate documentation of the Production Development stage in this Production area using theatre terminology
appropriately
Submit a Status Report to Producer outlining strengths and AFI’s (Areas for Improvement) within the Production Planning stage in
this Production area using theatre terminology appropriately
Production role director PRESENTATION
PRESENTATION
(DURING TECHNICAL + DRESS REHEARSALS)
Overseeing the Dress and Technical Rehearsals with appropriate feedback given to each Production area.
Final notes to be given to each Production area at conclusion of last Dress Rehearsal.
Official Handover to Cast & Crew
(DURING PERFORMANCE)
Notes given to Production areas (if appropriate) pre-and/or post show for improvement of future performances.
(POST SHOW)
Assist with bump out where appropriate
Maintain appropriate documentation of the Production Presentation stage in this Production area using theatre terminology
appropriately
Submit a Final Report to Producer outlining strengths and AFI’s (Areas for Improvement) within the Production Presentation stage in
this Production area using theatre terminology appropriately
PRODUCTION AREA ACTING PLANNING
PLANNING
Annotate and highlight the script outlining where all acting, including lines are required
Discussion in class of a ‘Dramatic Vision’ for the show, including ideas related to overall themes and concepts from the script
Undertake appropriate Research of the script and the appropriate Context(s) and Theatre Style(s) for Presentation
Undertake Research into the Production area of Acting
Establishment of a clear timeline for when all duties are to be finished
Create detailed notes as to the nature and characteristics of the character being played
Several read throughs of the script both as a class member and individually to ascertain the requirements of the character.
Maintain appropriate documentation of the Production Planning stage in this Production area using theatre terminology
appropriately
Submit a Status Report to Producer outlining strengths and AFI’s (Areas for Improvement) within the Production Planning
stage in this Production area using theatre terminology appropriately
PRODUCTION AREA ACTING
DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT
Constant collaboration with other Production areas, in particular Direction
Participating in a number of acting exercises to help develop Characterisation skills suitable for the play
Learning all the lines and cues for your character(s)
Participating in all rehearsals as required by the Director(s)
Constant refinement of characterisation and blocking at the behest of the Director(s)
Participating in Character development with other actors and individually outside of scheduled rehearsal times.
Taking detailed notes and analysis of any feedback given by the Director.
Maintain appropriate documentation of the Production Development stage in this Production area using theatre terminology
appropriately
Submit a Status Report to Producer outlining strengths and AFI’s (Areas for Improvement) within the Production Development
stage in this Production area using theatre terminology appropriately
PRODUCTION AREA ACTING
PRESENTATION
PRESENTATION
(DURING TECHNICAL + DRESS REHEARSALS)
Final collaboration with Director during Dress and Technical Rehearsals.
Following instructions of Lighting + Sound designers during Technical Rehearsals.
Clearly outlining any final expectations/concerns/queries of all Production areas, in particular Direction
(DURING PERFORMANCE)
Understanding and carrying out instructions of Stage Management and other Production areas for the smooth running of the
performance(s), e.g. being on time for Make up application, silence backstage.
Acting in a performance(s) as directed in Rehearsals.
Maintenance and safe keeping of all personal props before and during shows.
(POST SHOW)
Helping with bump out including the removal of any personal items that may have been used during the performances.
Maintain appropriate documentation of the Production Presentation stage in this Production area using theatre terminology
appropriately
Submit a Final Report to Producer outlining strengths and AFI’s (Areas for Improvement) within the Production Presentation
stage in this Production area using theatre terminology appropriately
