Theatre 1 - Final Exam

Assent

Agreement or approval

Converging

Coming together from different directions

Contorted

Twisted or bent out of shape

Antagonism

Active hostility or opposition

Incriminate

To show or make someone appear guilty of a crime

Scapegoat

A person blamed for the wrongdoings or mistakes of others

Insomnia

The inability to fall asleep

Revelation

A surprising or previously unknown fact that is made known

Optimistic

Hopeful and confident about the future

Bedlam

To beat or bang

Covetous

Having or showing a great desire to possess something belonging to someone else

Destitute

Without the basic necessities of life

Idle

Without purpose or effect; pointless

Bah Humbug

An expression used when someone does not approve of or enjoy something that other people enjoy, especially a special occasion such as Christmas

Fortnight

A period of two weeks

Myrrh

A fragrant gum resin obtained from certain trees and used in perfumery, medicines, and incense, especially in the Near East.

Frankincense

An aromatic gum resin obtained from an African tree and burned as incense

Vehemently

In a strongly emotional or zealous manner

Idol

A person or thing greatly admired, loved, or revered.

Affluent

Having a great deal of money; wealthy

Damascus

A well-watered land, AKA the capital of Syria

Who is Thespis?

He is considered the first actor in Ancient Greek theatre. He is credited for creating dramatic dialogue.

What are thespians?

Thespians are actors or performers in theatre.

Aeschylus

Known as the father of tragedy; wrote the Oresteia trilogy

Sophocles

Wrote famous plays like Oedipus Rex and Antigone

Euripides

Known for Medea and The Bacchae, often focused on complex characters

Aristophanes

A playwright of comedy; known for Lysistrata and The Clouds

Tragedy

Serious plays dealing with human suffering and moral dilemmas, often ending in disaster.

Comedy

Humorous plays that often mocked people or politics and ended happily

Satyr Plays

Short, humorous plays featuring choruses of satyrs (half-man, half-goat creatures), usually performed as a lighthearted break after tragedies.

Why were masks important in Ancient Greek Theatre?

Amplified facial expressions so that distant audience members could see emotions clearly. Helped actors play multiple roles, including female characters (since women were not allowed to act). Allowed actors to project their voices better. Represented different characters, emotions, or social statuses symbolically.

Who is Dionysus?

Dionysus is the Greek god of wine, fertility, theatre, and ritual madness.

Director

The person who oversees a play and how it is performed

Producer

Manages the business side—funding, budgeting, hiring, and overall production management.

Choreographer

Designs and teaches dance or movement sequences.

Musical Director

Oversees the musical aspects, conducts the orchestra, and coaches singers.

Casting Director

Finds and auditions actors for roles in the production.

Dramaturg

Provides research and background on the script, historical context, and helps shape the play's meaning.

Designers

Responsible for visual elements like set design, costumes, lighting, and sound.

Leading Actor

The main character(s) in the play, typically with the most stage time and lines.

Supporting Actor

Plays important secondary roles that support the story.

Ensemble

Group of performers who don't have lead roles; often play multiple small parts or chorus roles.

Understudy

An actor who learns a lead or supporting role to perform if the main actor can't.

Swing

An actor who covers multiple ensemble roles and can step in as needed.

Upstage

The area farthest from the audience.

Downstage

The area closest to the audience.

Stage Left

The left side of the stage from the actor's perspective (facing the audience).

Stage Right

The right side of the stage from the actor's perspective.

Center Stage

The middle area of the stage.

Center Line

An imaginary vertical line that runs down the middle of the stage from upstage to downstage.

On Stage

Anywhere visible to the audience on the stage.

Off Stage

Areas hidden from the audience, where actors wait or prepare.

House

The area where the audience sits.

Proscenium

The arch or frame that separates the stage from the house (audience).

Wings

Areas just off stage left and right, hidden from audience view, where actors and props wait.

Orchestra

The space in front of the stage where musicians perform.