DRAMA

The art of composing, writing, acting, or producing plays

drama

1. Literary elements2. Technical elements3. Performance elements

Elements of DRAMA

components include: script, plot structures, suspense, etc.

literary elements

components include: scenery, sound, lights, make-up, etc.

technical elements

components include: acting

performance elements

TECHNICAL ELEMENTS

the theatrical equipment, such as curtains, flats, backdrops, or platforms, used in a dramatic production to communicate environment.

scenery

the physical surroundings, visible to the audience, in which the action of the play takes place.

set

to use a curtain to create simple, free-standing set pieces to change the scene or atmosphere. These set pieces can be easily moved or changed according to the scene requirements.

set: curtain set

is a common technique. The set is constructed to convey a realistic setting for the play. The box set usually has three sides and a ceiling.

set: box set

can be used a cyclorama (cyc or curtain) to develop the stage environment in greater detail. A flat consists of a wooden frame that is covered with canvas. The canvas can be painted to represent an outdoors scene, furniture, or whatever else the play calls for.

set: screen set (flat)

the effects an audience hears during a performance to communicate character, context, or environment.

sound

lights; this is the placement, intensity, and color of lights to help communicate environment, mood, or feeling.

lighting

enhance visibility increase realism highlight costumes, makeup, and scenery contribute to the composition and design of the stage environment

lighting (continued)

costumes, wigs, and body spring when used to transform an actor into a character.

makeup

this makeup is used in order to play a character who looks nothing like the actor. This could include items such as nose putty or false hair.

makeup: character makeup

this makeup doesn’t drastically change the appearance of an actor.

makeup: straight makeup

short for properties; any article, except costume or scenery, used as part of a dramatic production; any moveable object that appears on stage during a performance, from a telephone to a train.

props

clothing and accessories worn by actors to portray character and period.

costumes

a visual plan and sound aspects of a production

design

a person that is responsible for the design of all the sets and scenery used in a play.

set designer

the place where the actors create performances

stage

“the theatre in the round,” a type of stage in which the audience surrounds the stage area

stage: arena

a stage that extends into the audience area, with seats surrounding on three sides by the audience

stage: thrust

it is like a picture frame or an imaginary fourth wall through which the audience experiences the illusion of spying on characters or the audience views the play through a permanent framed opening that is usually curtained

stage: proscenium

the personnel who set up and manage the scenery and props for a performance

stage crew

person in charge of everything that happens backstage

stage manager