MS. MULCHAN
DRAMA
Drama
Prose or verse telling a story
intended for representation by actors
through dialogue or action.
The Play
Playwright : person who writes plays.
Script : printed copy of a play.
Acts : the major sections of a play.
Scene : small section or portion of a play.
The People
Actor: male performer
Actress: female performer
Cast: all performers selected to
portray characters.
Director: instructs actors on how to
portray characters.
The Theater
A building where a play is performed
containing the stage and seating area
for the audience.
Areas of the Stage
Backstage: area behind scenery not visible
to audience.
Center stage: area in the center of the
stage.
Downstage: area closest to the audience.
Stage left/right: area to actor’s left or
right as he/she faces the audience.
Upstage: area furthest away from the
audience.
Backdrop: painted curtain without
fullness.
Flats: canvas-covered wooden frames
used for scenery.
Set: all sets and props that help define the
action.
B
A
C
K
ST
A
G
E
Upstage
Stage Right
Center Stage
Down Stage
Audience
BA
CK
ST
AG
E
Stage Left
Stage Directions
Cue: something that precedes the next
action.
Cut: to stop the action.
Exit: to leave the stage.
Elements of Drama
Plot: the main storyline
Theme: the basic idea of the play
Character: person, animal or thing in the
story
Language: formal setting or dialect
Dialogue: conversation between two or
more characters.
Monologue: one person speaking
Spectacle: visuals involved on stage
Costumes: clothing worn by an actor
on stage to help represent characters.
Props: items used on stage to help
actors tell a story
Creative Dramatics
Improvisation: to make up or perform
without preparation.
Pantomime: to communicate without
speaking using only facial and body
gestures.
Mimicry: to copy or imitate something
very closely.
Role Playing : to take on the
characteristics of someone or something.
INTRODUCTION TO SHAKESPEARE
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Born 1564, died 1616
Wrote 37 plays
Wrote over 150 sonnets
Actor, poet, playwright
TYPES OF PLAYS
Shakespeare wrote:
 Comedies - light and amusing, usually
with a happy ending
 Tragedies –serious dramas with
disastrous endings
 Histories – involve events or persons from
history
THEATRE
•TheTHE
Globe
Theatre:
•Open ceiling
•Three stories high
•No artificial lighting
• Plays were shown during
daylight hours only
SPECTATORS
Wealthy
people got to
sit on benches
The poor (called
“groundlings”) had to
stand and watch from the
courtyard
There was much more
audience participation
than today
ACTORS
Only men and boys
Young boys whose voices
had not changed played
the women’s roles
It would have been
indecent for a woman to
appear on stage
ROMEO AND JULIET
Considered a tragedy
Tells the story of two
teenagers who risk
everything for love
Shakespeare is exploring
which is stronger: love or
hate
THE MONTAGUES
Lord Montague – father of Romeo
Lady Montague – mother of Romeo
Romeo Montague – in love with Juliet
Benvolio – nephew of Montague and friend of Romeo
Balthasar – servant to Romeo
Abram – servant to Montague
THE CAPULETS
Lord Capulet – father of Juliet
Lady Capulet – mother of Juliet
Juliet Capulet – in love with Romeo
Tybalt – nephew of Lady Capulet
Nurse – takes care of Juliet
OTHER CHARACTERS
Prince Escalus – ruler of Verona
Mercutio – kinsman of the Prince and friend of Romeo
Friar Laurence – a Franciscan priest
Friar John – another Franciscan priest
Count Paris – a young nobleman
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT…
What would you do if your parents did not approve of
someone you were dating?
How important is the opinion of your family in decisions that
you make?
Does violence solve problems?