Dramatic Elements Flashcards
Tension
Tension lies in the development of suspense in a performance. As the audience anticipates certain outcomes in the plot, the tension builds. Tension ensures the audience is thinking ‘What is going to happen next? ’ Tension is closely linked with timing.
Rhythm
Rhythm refers to the timing and pace of the drama. It also means the beat or tempo of the performance. Rhythm can follow the emotional state of one or more characters or the atmosphere of the performance at particular moments.
Contrast
Without the careful use of contrast a performance is boring and lacks tension. An obvious example of contrast is a sad scene followed by a happy one. But contrast can be created in more subtle and sophisticated ways, such as manipulating the drama to create a change in setting, use of space or rhythm.
Mood
Mood is the feeling or tone of a performance. It refers to ambience or aura and is often created through a combination of several dramatic and stagecraft elements working in harmony with each other. Mood in drama can be created via sound, lighting, movement, setting, rhythm, contrast, conflict and more.
Space
This dramatic element refers to the effective use of available space in a performance. Different levels of space are utilised by the performer, such as sitting, bending over, lying down or crawling. In order to use the space effectively, movement becomes an important factor. Use of space also implies clearly communicating to the audience where the action is taking place.
Sound
It can be useful in creating atmosphere or mood. Actors and their bodies can construct effective sound in a performance. Mouths can produce sound effects for particular dramatic effect. Small props can also create sound effects that can be used live during a show.
Symbol
Symbol is used to create meaning that is not literal. Symbol allows performers to communicate ideas and themes through words, stagecraft and expressive skills.
Conflict
Conflict can be between two or more characters, or simply one (inner conflict). Conflict on stage can be verbal, physical or non-verbal (psychological). Conflict differs from tension in that it is often a fixed part of the structure of a play, with characters destined to clash with one another from the outset.
Climax
Most drama will have one or more crisis in the development of the plot. A crisis is a key moment of dramatic tension and conflict in the play, usually occurring between two or more characters and having serious implications for the outcome of the plot. The ultimate crisis or highest peak is usually called the climax and often ( but not always) occurs toward the end of the performance. There can also be more than one climax.
