Theatre Studies Semester Exam Flashcards

How are character names typically written in a script?

In all capital letters

Explanation: Character names are capitalized to stand out clearly in the script, helping actors and directors quickly identify who is speaking.

How do non-profit theaters entice donors?

By highlighting the value of bringing art to the public and altruistic philanthropy

Explanation: Donors are motivated by supporting community arts and cultural enrichment, not just performance quality.

Who must be present at technical rehearsals?

The stagecrew and designers

Explanation: Technical rehearsals focus on lighting, sound, set, and other technical elements, so the backstage team is essential.

What term describes a performance happening live in the moment?

Immediacy

Explanation: Immediacy refers to the live, present experience of theater that occurs as it is watched.

Who performed spoken comic skits with rude imitations?

Doric mimes and Roman mimes

Explanation: Unlike silent mimes, these performers used spoken dialogue and crude humor.

What does the content of a theatrical performance include?

Subject and form

Explanation: Subject is the story or theme, while form is the style or way it’s presented.

What is the start time of a theatrical production called?

The curtain

Explanation: The raising of the curtain signals the official beginning of the show.

What separates the stage from the audience in a theater?

The proscenium arch

Explanation: The proscenium arch frames the stage like a picture, defining the performance space.

What characterizes a representational performance?

Audience’s willing suspension of disbelief

Explanation: The audience accepts the play’s reality, engaging fully with the story.

How do stage managers prevent drift?

By keeping detailed notes in the production report

Explanation: Notes help maintain consistency across performances.

Which culture’s drama is the direct predecessor of Western theater?

Ancient Greek

Explanation: Greek theater established many foundational dramatic conventions.

When is a put-in rehearsal scheduled?

When there is a change in cast

Explanation: To help new cast members integrate smoothly.

What dramatic concept did Sophocles introduce?

Character motivation

Explanation: Characters’ reasons for their actions add depth to drama.

What is a gobo in theater lighting?

A metal cut-out used to create light patterns

Explanation: Gobos shape or texture the light projected on stage.

When did heavyweight American dramatists emerge?

Early twentieth century

Explanation: This period saw the rise of significant American playwrights.

What were early English audiences who stood in the yard called?

Groundlings

Explanation: Groundlings stood in the pit area during performances.

What dramatic rules does Aristotle’s Poetics outline?

The three unities—action, time, and place

Explanation: Rules designed to maintain focus and coherence in drama.

What is the choreographer’s role?

To develop physical routines for dance numbers

Explanation: Choreographers design and teach dance movements.

What does a scenic designer produce before building a set?

A detailed aerial floorplan

Explanation: This blueprint helps visualize stage arrangements.

What does an actor do when giving an aside?

Breaks character to speak directly to the audience

Explanation: An aside shares private thoughts or commentary with the audience.

What was a purpose of early political theater?

To affect social change

Explanation: Used theater to challenge and influence society.

What does a draper do in theater production?

Makes patterns and prepares costumes for sewing

Explanation: Drapers work on the construction side of costumes.

How do directors help actors develop characters?

By including character-building exercises during rehearsals

Explanation: Exercises deepen actors’ understanding of their roles.

What is a scrim?

A type of curtain used in theater

Explanation: Scrims are often semi-transparent and used for special effects.

Which theatrical form was popular in nineteenth-century America?

Antebellum operas

Explanation: Musical dramas popular before the Civil War.

What was Shakespeare’s involvement with The Globe?

He jointly owned it and had plays performed there

Explanation: Shakespeare was a shareholder in the theater company.

What is the cast and crew’s report time called?

The call

Explanation: Time to arrive and prepare before a show.

Which culture used facial expression as a cornerstone of character?

Ancient Rome

Explanation: Roman theater emphasized expressive acting.

When does a preview run usually occur?

Following tech rehearsal week

Explanation: Performances before official opening to test the show.

What is a torm in theater?

A type of curtain

Explanation: Used for various stage effects or scene changes.

What is the most lasting component of Aristotle’s Poetics?

Unity of action

Explanation: Focus on one main plotline is key to good drama.

What frustrates many inexperienced actors in auditions?

No two auditions are alike

Explanation: Auditions vary in style and expectations.

What is breaking the fourth wall?

Actor speaks directly to the audience, breaking character

Explanation: Creates a direct connection between actor and viewer.

How do some Broadway shows engage the press?

By offering backstage access via websites or TV shows

Explanation: Builds buzz and excitement for the production.

What was the purpose of Letters Patent under King Charles II?

To censor theaters through licensure requirements

Explanation: Legal control over what could be performed.