DRAMA TERMINOLOGY
Dramatic Elements (x 12)
Stagecraft (x 9)
Climax
Conflict
Contrast
Focus
Language
Mood
Rhythm
Sound (created by the actor)
Space
Symbol
Tension
Timing
Costume
Direction
Lighting
Makeup
Mask/Puppetry
Props
Set Design
Sound /soundscape (amplified)
Theatre technology (multimedia)
The Creative Process:
Play Making Techniques (x 9)
Performance Styles (unlimited)
Use of stimulus material
Research
Role play
Improvisation
Scripting
Rehearsing
Editing
Refining (polishing)
Reflecting
(Brainstorming)
Non-naturalism
Brechtian – Epic Theatre – Theatre of Alienation
Grotowskian – Poor Theatre
Artuadian – Theatre of Cruelty
Rame & Fo
Theatrical Conventions (x 4)
Performance Skills (x 2)
Transformation of character
Transformation of object
Transformation of setting
Disjointed time sequences
Presence
Energy
(actor’s ability to sustain focus and
commitment to role)
(actor’s ability to maintain performance
energy)
Expressive Skills (x 4)
Voice
Movement
Gesture
Facial expression
- pitch, volume, accent, intonation, inflection, pace, etc.
- gait, stance, leading centre, pace, etc.
- symbolic, literal, cultural, physiological, habitual, etc.
- smile, frown, furrowed brow, gritted teeth, etc.
Sample adjectives to describe expressive skills: jittery, twitchy, aggressive, gentle, lazy, sudden,
frenetic, sensual, pensive, timid, precocious, affectionate, provocative, agitated, etc.
Drama exam terms you NEED be familiar with:
Discuss, Evaluate, Analyse, Identify, Describe, Explain,
HOW, Development AND Presentation, Manipulate