Dramatic elements

Question 1

Climax

Answer 1

• Builds up to a single moment
• A problem that creates climax
• Increase climax through other dramatic elements; rhythm, pace, sound etc
• Anticlimax - building tension with no impact
• Anticlimax - break fourth wall when audience is invested
• Points of climax in performance can vary (big build up/small build up)

Question 2

Contrast

Answer 2

Make things different - juxtapose

Can create contrast using other dramatic elements/skills
Can contrast in:
- Energy (high energy and low energy)
- Timing (short vs long scene, slow vs fast)
- Space
- Costume
- Characters
- Expressive skills
- Characters’ reactions

Question 3

Conflict

Answer 3

• Argument between characters
• Internal or external conflict
• Conflict with audience
• Different ideas and opinions
• Obstacle must be overcome

Question 4

Tensions

Answer 4

Silence

Layering sounds on top of each other

Building rhythm
Arguments

Audience has learnt something about a character that other characters do not know

Question 5

Rhythm

Answer 5

• Movement
• Use of voice
• Canon
• Unison
• Patterns of words, sounds or actions

Question 6

Sound

Answer 6

• Sound that the actors are making on stage (not soundtrack)
• Absence/lack of sound - silence
• Body percussion
• Vocal sound effects
  Repetition of noise

Question 7

Space

Answer 7

• Minimal use of space
• Maximising space
• Symbolic use of space
• Use of levels
• Space to show status
• Distance from audience

Question 8

Mood

Answer 8

• Feeling and emotion evoked
• Lighting
• Characters tone of voice
• Content of play
• Theme of performance
• Can be based off the performance style (epic, cruelty, musical)