Drama Conventions

Question 1

What is a flashback?

Answer 1

The actors show something that has previously happened.

Question 2

Why is a flashback used?

Answer 2

Gives the audience more information.

Question 3

What is a flashforward?

Answer 3

The actors show something that has not yet happened.

Question 4

Why is a Flashforward used?

Answer 4

Creates a sense of dramatic irony.

Question 5

What is a Freeze Frame?

Answer 5

Actors freeze briefly during the action.

Question 6

Why is Freeze Frame used?

Answer 6

Allows the audience time to take in all the details.

Question 7

What is a Tableau?

Answer 7

Actors use their bodies to make a picture and hold it.

Question 8

Why is Tableau used?

Answer 8

Can be a good way to start a scene or to really emphasise character relationships.

Question 9

What is Mime?

Answer 9

The acting becomes silent.

Question 10

Why is mime used?

Answer 10

The audience can focus on someone who is speaking or it could highlight an important action.

Question 11

What is a Monologue?

Answer 11

One actor speaks for an extended amount of time.

Question 12

Why are Monologues used?

Answer 12

Lots of information can be revealed. The audience can also get to know the character.

Question 13

What is Movement?

Answer 13

Part of the action is almost danced.

Question 14

Why is Movement used?

Answer 14

Can show things that are difficult to show on stage e.g. car crash. with music it can create a dramatic moment.

Question 15

What is Slow Motion?

Answer 15

A section is slowed down dramatically.

Question 16

Why is Slow Motion used?

Answer 16

Can be very dramatic and can also allow the audience to focus on the action.

Question 17

What is Narration?

Answer 17

A person is on the stage, telling the story as it happens.

Question 18

Why is Narration used?

Answer 18

It can help the audience to understand everything. it is especially useful for younger audiences.

Question 19

What is a Voice Over?

Answer 19

A voice from offstage is heard.

Question 20

Why is Voice Over used?

Answer 20

Narration, a character offstage or the other half of a phone call.

Question 21

What is an Aside?

Answer 21

A character says something to him/himself and the rest and the rest of the characters do not hear it.

Question 22

Why are Asides used?

Answer 22

It can give the audience an insight into what the character is thinking and feeling.

Question 23

What is a Soliloquy?

Answer 23

A character takes a step away from the action and speaks directly to the audience.

Question 24

Why is a Soliloquy used?

Answer 24

Brings the audience into the action, keeps them connected.

Question 25

What is a Split Stage?

Answer 25

The stage is divided into two or more sections representing different areas.

Question 26

Why is a Split Stage used?

Answer 26

It is possible to show action that is happening in different places at the same time.

Question 27

What is a Key Moment/Key scene?

Answer 27

A Key Moment or Key Scene is a point in the drama that is particularly important.

Question 28

What are some examples of things that could make a key scene important?

Answer 28

1. Something Changes.
   2.We learn something new about a character.
2. A tension reaches its highest point.
3. A theme/issue is really highlighted.