Drama revision

Revision List for L5 Drama

Staging

  • Theatre-in-the-Round

    • Definition: A staging where the audience is seated around the entire playing space.

    • Advantages: Allows for a more immersive experience for the audience; encourages interaction between actors and spectators.

    • Disadvantages: Can limit set design; some audience members may have obstructed views.

  • Traverse Staging

    • Definition: A performance space where the audience is seated on two sides, facing each other.

    • Advantages: Creates intimacy; facilitates close interactions between characters.

    • Disadvantages: Challenges with sightlines; requires careful blocking of the action.

  • Thrust Staging

    • Definition: A stage that extends into the audience, with seating on three sides.

    • Advantages: Combines intimacy of theatre-in-the-round with the flexibility of proscenium staging.

    • Disadvantages: Limited space for large sets; requires precise staging to avoid audience distractions.

  • Proscenium Arch Stage

    • Definition: A stage where the audience faces the actors through an arch, creating a stage picture.

    • Advantages: Allows for complex set designs; can control audience focus easily.

    • Disadvantages: Can create distance between audience and actors; may lead to a more traditional and less immersive experience.

  • Drawings and Labelling

    • Requirement to provide visual representations of each type of stage.

An Inspector Calls

  • Character Overview

    • Breakdown of main characters and their roles.

  • Theme Overview

    • Exploration of themes such as responsibility, class, and social justice.

  • Setting

    • Description of the play's setting, time, and circumstances.

  • Original Performance Conditions

    • Context in which the original performance took place; audience expectations, limitations, societal values of the time.

Acting Choices

  • Physicality (GRAPE GRIPE)

    • Framework for physical acting incorporating:

    • Gesture: Specific movements that communicate emotions or actions.

    • Reaction: Responses to stimuli within the performance.

    • Action: Movements that carry the narrative.

    • Posture: Body positioning that reflects character traits or emotions.

    • Expression: Facial movements conveying feelings or thoughts.

    • Gait: The manner of walking indicative of the character’s traits.

    • Range: Variability in movement styles and expressions.

    • Interaction: Engagement and dynamics between characters.

    • Proxemics: Use of space in relation to other actors.

    • Elevation: Use of levels in staging to enhance drama.

  • Voice (APPLE PIE)

    • Technique for vocal delivery including:

    • Attack: The initial sound and its clarity.

    • Pitch: The highness or lowness of voice.

    • Pace: The speed of speech delivery.

    • Loudness: Volume of voice.

    • Expression: Emotional tone in vocal delivery.

    • Purpose: Intent behind vocal choices.

    • Energy: Vitality and enthusiasm conveyed through voice.

Lighting

  • Naming and Identifying Different Lanterns

    • Techniques and tools used for lighting design in theatre.

  • Naming and Identifying Different Lighting Effects

    • Types of lighting effects utilized to create mood and focus.

  • Colour Symbolism

    • Overview of how colors convey themes, emotions, and character states.

  • Naturalistic vs Expressionistic Lighting

    • Naturalistic Lighting: Aims to replicate natural light; realistic effects.

    • Expressionistic Lighting: Uses lighting for emotional expression rather than realism.

  • How Lighting Translates to Meaning

    • Discussion on lighting’s role in conveying the narrative and themes further.

Rehearsal Techniques

  • Understanding Rehearsal Techniques

    • Importance of various rehearsal methods in actor preparation and development.

    • Application of these methods to characters and scenes in ‘An Inspector Calls’ to enhance performance.

Movement

  • Steps

    • Choreography and physical movement strategies.

  • Valley of Giants

    • A specific movement exercise reflecting dramatic expression.

  • Bigger movements

    • Techniques for larger gestures that enhance storytelling.

Character Exploration

  • Thought Tracking

    • Technique for exploring a character’s internal monologue.

  • Hot Seating

    • Interactive exercise where the actor sits in a chair and answers questions as their character, deepening understanding of character motivations and feelings.

Costume

  • Choosing and Justifying Costume

    • Criteria for selecting costume, color, and fabric for a character.

    • Importance of costumes in reflecting character traits and development.

Sound

  • Soundscapes

    • Creation of auditory environments supporting the narrative.

  • Score/Underscore

    • Background music used to enhance emotional intensity and atmosphere.

  • Diegetic vs Non-Diegetic Sound

    • Diegetic Sound: Sound from within the story’s world (e.g., dialogue, ambient noise).

    • Non-Diegetic Sound: Sound added for dramatic effect (e.g., orchestral music).

  • Sound Effects

    • Specific sounds designed to accentuate moments in the performance.

Props and Set Choices

  • Edwardian Context

    • Examination of props and set design within the Edwardian era’s cultural norms and aesthetics.

  • Decadence Style

    • Influence of decadence on set and prop choices reflecting opulence and moral themes.

  • Symbolic Choices

    • Discussion on how props and set design convey themes and ideas in the production.