GRADE 8 THEATRE NOTES
Why are there presentations?
P
Persuade
I
Inform
E
Entertain
Dramatic conventions - a set of rules, which both the audience and actors are familiar with
Stock character – non changing “standard” characters, such as in a melodrama, that never
change. The villain is always up to no good & the hero is incorruptible.
Suspension of disbelief – the knowledge that theatre is not REAL and you must be able to accept
that what you are seeing is an artistic expression.
Shakespeare conventions - a character can move downstage to deliver a soliloquy which cannot
be heard by the other characters on stage.
musical conventions - characters are not surprised by other character bursting into song
randomly.
What are the three most common dramatic structure used in various forms of theatre?
Act 1, Bows
Act 1, Intermission, Act 2, Bows
Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, Intermission, Act 4, Act 5, Bows
What is a Freytag Diagram?
What are some common techniques used within various forms of theatrical experiences?
When A Mime Turns Around – He is changing Character
When a blackout happens – there can be a drastic shift in space and time
Narrators/ Chorus can simply TELL you there is a shift in space and time
What are the two types of dramatic criticism?
Destructive Criticism
Let's start with a working definition of Destructive Criticism. The bottom line is that destructive
criticism gives you no means by which to correct or enhance your actions. The result can often
be that you feel less sure of yourself. You may feel hesitant about continuing to sing or perform.
Destructive criticism reduces your self image. Examples of destructive criticism could be: “I
sounded horrible on that song.” Or: “You call that art?” And on a subtler level: “What's wrong
with me? I never open up to an audience.”
Constructive Criticism
Now let's define Constructive Criticism: OK. So first of all, this does not imply you say
something was great when it was not. That's actually pretty vicious, as it is a lie. Constructive
criticism leaves you with a way of changing your approach so that you can enhance yourself and
actually become stronger and more certain. An example of this would be: “That note went off
pitch. The reason it did, is because I was pushing in my stomach, which resulted in air over-blow
and tense throat muscles. I'll sing it again, and this time try letting my stomach relax. Or even
simpler, “I can put more feeling into that song. I’ll do it again from the top and focus on the
getting across the message.”
What are the specific criteria to articulate when using dramatic criticism?
1. Have good intentions
2. Ease In
3. Don’t get Emotional
4. Choose the right time and place
5. Choose your words carefully
6. Try a “FEEDBACK SANDWICH” (positive/ negative/ positive)
7. Smile
Be honest, specific, focus on future, end positive
What are the considerations that should be taken into account when criticizing theatre production?
Describe the Performance Space:
Level and Ability of Acting
Suitability of Cast
Overall Response
The Audience
Actors’ response to the Audience
Scenery
Costumes/Makeup
Lighting
Music and Sound
Social and Political Messages of the Day
What are the appropriate behaviors/ responses of the audience in a theatrical production?
Laugh
Clap
Cry
Standing Ovation
What are good and acceptable theatre etiquette behaviors for a theatrical production?
Don’t Talk
Don’t Use Electronics
Don’t Leave/ Enter Late
Don’t Unwrap Food
Don’t Eat/ Drink
Don’t Put Feet on Seats
Dress Appropriately
What are the various types of theaters (formations or acting spaces) called?
Proscenium
Thrust
Arena (in the round)
Black Box
That are the 9 stage positions?
Up Right
Up Center
Right Center
Center
Down Right
Down Center
What are the different physical postures?
Full Front
Full Back
¼ Right
¼ Left
Zero Position
Where does the term “Up Stage” come from?
Raked Stage constructions
Up Left
Left Center
Down Left