Y10 January Exams - Drama

Actor / Performer

Communicates character, narrative, and meaning through voice, movement, and interaction.

Director

Interprets the script or stimulus and creates a concept that shapes the overall artistic vision of the production.

Designer

Creates the visual elements of a production.

Set Designer

Designs scenery and staging.

Costume Designer

Designs clothing and character appearance.

Lighting Designer

Designs lighting states and mood.

Sound Designer

Designs sound effects and music.

Puppet Designer

Designs puppets, considering style and how they will be operated.

Stage Manager

Oversees rehearsals and performances, calls lighting and sound cues, prepares props, and assists scene changes.

Lighting Technician

Sets up, focuses, and operates lighting equipment.

Sound Technician

Operates sound equipment and controls sound cues.

Technician

Operates technical equipment such as lighting and sound boards during performance.

Understudy

Learns a role so they can replace a performer if needed.

Playwright

Writes the script, including dialogue and stage directions.

Pitch

How high or low the voice is.

Pace

The speed of speech.

Pause

A deliberate silence for effect.

Projection

Clarity and volume without shouting.

Tone

The emotional quality of the voice.

Accent

Pronunciation linked to background or region.

Articulation

Clarity of pronunciation.

Body Language

Communication through posture and movement.

Gesture

Specific movements used to convey meaning.

Facial Expression

Showing emotion through the face.

Posture

How a character holds themselves.

Movement

How a character travels around the space.

Gait

The manner of walking.

Levels

Use of height such as standing, sitting, or lying.

Proxemics

The distance between performers or between performers and the audience.

Blocking

Planned movement and positioning of actors on stage.

Spatial Awareness

Understanding how to use the performance space effectively.

Proscenium Arch

Audience faces one side of the stage.

End-on

audience at one end of the stage

Traverse

Audience sits on two sides of the stage.

In-the-round

audience on all sides

Thrust

Audience sits on three sides of the stage.

Still Image / Freeze Frame

A frozen moment showing an idea, emotion, or relationship.

Thought Tracking

Actors speak a character's inner thoughts aloud.

Narration

Spoken commentary that guides or explains the action.

Monologue

A long speech delivered by one character.

Duologue

A scene involving two characters.

Mime

Communication without speech.

Choral Speaking

Group speaking together for emphasis or impact.

Flashback

A scene set in the past.

Flashforward

A scene set in the future.

Set

The scenery and physical environment of the performance.

Props

Objects used by actors on stage.

Symbolism

Objects that represent deeper meaning.

Spotlight

A focused light on a performer or area.

Wash

Even lighting across the stage.

Gels

Coloured filters used in lighting.

Intensity

The brightness of light.

Cue

A planned lighting or sound change.

Gobo

A stencil or disc used to project an image or pattern with light.

Diegetic Sound

Sound that is heard by the characters.

Non-diegetic Sound

sound added for the audience’s effect

Soundscape

Layered sounds that create atmosphere.

Communicates

Shares meaning with the audience.

Conveys

Expresses or shows an idea or feeling.

Suggests

Implies an idea rather than stating it directly.

Highlights

Draws attention to something important.

Reinforces

Strengthens an idea or theme.

Contrasts

Shows clear differences.

Creates tension

Builds suspense or conflict.

Establishes mood

Sets the emotional atmosphere.

Engages the audience

Holds the audience's attention.

Emphasises theme

Makes the main idea clear and strong.

Intention

What the actor or designer wants the audience to understand or feel.

Impact

The effect on the audience.

Effectiveness

How successfully a choice achieved its intention.

Justification

Explaining why a creative decision was made.