DRAMA
drama
The art of composing, writing, acting,
or producing plays
Elements of DRAMA
1. Literary elements
2. Technical elements
3. Performance elements
literary elements
components include: script, plot
structures, suspense, etc.
technical elements
components include: scenery, sound,
lights, make-up, etc.
performance elements
components include: acting
OTHER DRAMA
VOCABULARY
verbal expression
speaking; the mode of expression or
delivery of lines
verbal expression: breath support
proper use of the lungs an diaphragm
muscle for maximum capacity and
efficiency of breath for speaking.
verbal expression: projection
how well the voice carries to the
audience.
verbal expression: vocal expression
how an actor uses his or her voice to
convey character.
verbal expression: diction
selection and pronunciation of words;
clarity of speech.
nonverbal expression
no sound made; movement through
body language and/or gestures, etc.
nonverbal expression: gestures
any movement of the actor’s head,
shoulder, arm, hand, leg, or foot to
convey meaning.
nonverbal expression: body alignment
physiologically correct posture and use
of the body to ensure the maximum
capacity and efficiency of breathing
and movement.
nonverbal expression: facial expression
the use of the face to show emotion
and/or feelings.
nonverbal expression:
character blocking & movement
the path formed by the actor’s
movement on stage, usually
determined by the director with
assistance from the actor and often
written down in a script using
commonly accepted theatrical
symbols.
stage directions
instructions in the script that tell the
actors what to do and where to move
on stage; may also provide information
about the setting.
stage directions: stage left
when facing the audience, the area of
the stage on the actor’s left, the
audience’s right.
stage directions: stage right
when facing the audience, the area of
the stage on the actor’s right, the
audience’s left.
stage directions: center stage
the area in the center or middle of the
stage.
stage directions: upstage
the area on stage farthest from the
audience, toward the backstage wall.
stage directions: downstage
the area on stage closest to the
audience.