exam structure Flashcards
what does PIVET P stand for?
Pace
Intonation
Volume
Emphasis
Timing
Pitch
what can you talk about when discussing a character’s movement?
movement - gait (how they walk)
posture
facial expressions
gesture - hands and arms
what must you do when designing a costume for a character?
- the costume question usually appears at the beginning of an exam paper, and would be worth 4 marks.
- for every item, you must include specific details (e.g. style, fit, condition, material, accessories, hair/makeup).
- you must then justify your choices, and why they’re appropriate for the context/period.
how would you answer a question on how you would perform a line?
- these questions are typically near the beginning of the exam, and will be worth 8 marks.
- you would also begin the first paragraph with a short summary of the context surrounding the line.
- you would write your first paragraph about how you would alter your voice to act out the line (PIVET P).
- your second paragraph would be about how you would alter your movement and gesture to fit the line (gait, posture, facial expressions, etc.)
describe the thinking process involved in answering the line question:
- how is the character feeling? read the scripted extract.
- what is their motivation? what is making them behave and act the way they are?
- give 4 examples of their use of voice.
- give 4 examples of their use of physicality.
how do you answer the TIKTBT 12 mark question?
step 1: understand the question.
- read through the extract, and fully understand what is going on.
- think about what effect you are trying to create, and how you could interpret this through your performance space and interaction with another character.
step 2: structuring your response.
- work through highlighted extract methodically, talking about how you would use your space and interact (be very specific and keep using subject terminology) with other characters to create the effect you want in each part of the scene (not every single line, but just the key moments/ideas).
- ensure you include quotes.
- explain all of your answers, and keep linking back to the question.
- reveal your understanding of the play, the characters, and their relationships.
step 3: bring it together.
- included an introduction and conclusion.
- it doesn’t really matter how many paragraphs you do, as long as you methodically (preferably chronologically) work through the shaded part of the extract, and you cover all key ideas and moments.
how would you answer the TIKTBT 20 mark question (performer-based)?
step 1: understand the question.
- think about how you would portray the character using your vocal and physical skills both in the shaded extract, and in the rest of the play, and how you want the audience to interpret this, again, both in the shaded extract and in the rest of the play.
- think about whether the character’s actions are consistent throughout the play, or whether they develop.
step 2: structuring your response.
- mention three big moments from the play for your character. 1 from the shaded extract, 2 from the rest of the play.
- include quotes (both from the extract and the rest of the play).
- describe your actions in detail (using dramatic terminology). justify everything you do, and link back to the question.
- include a very brief character profile at the start of the response.
- continually show your understanding of the play, the characters and their relationship.
how would you answer the live theatre 32 mark question (performance)?
step 1: understand the question.
- understand what the key words are asking you to do (DAE, design, analyse, evaluate)
step 2: structuring your response.
- decide whether to focus on one actor, or more than one actor.
- start with an introduction. state the title of the play, where you saw it, a brief synopsis and say which section of the play you’re mentioning.
- think of three big moments, where you’ll be able to provide lots of description and analysis - the most memorable and vivid moments of the play in your mind.
- talk about the actors vocal and physical use of skills, their intended effect on the audience, and whether this was successful.
- provide a short summary at the end of the response to tie up your points and link back to the question.
describe the different areas of the stage (stage positioning):
- upstage is at the back of the stage, down stage is the closest part to the audience.
- centre stage is in the centre.
- stage right and stage left are from the perspective of the actor (the opposite of the audience’s point of view).
what are the different types of staging, and describe their formation:
- proscenium arch. something is framing the theatre (the proscenium). seats are all placed in front of the stage.
- theatre in the round. the audience is sat all around the stage.
- traverse. the audience are sat on either side of the stage, like a catwalk.
- thrust stage. audience is sat on three sides of the stage (stage configuration in girls like that).
- promenade theatre. the audience are standing up. they’re walking around a building, or are outside, and are following the actors around.
- end on staging. the audience are in one side of the space, the performers are in the other.
what is the role and responsibility of a lighting designer?
- designs the lights for the show.
- must create a lighting plot - lighting states and lighting special effects throughout the show.
- final lighting plot involves a list of lighting states and their cues.
what is the role and responsibility of a sound designer?
- designs the sound required for the performance.
- includes underscoring, intro and outro music, and special effects.
- creates a sound plot, resulting in a list of the sounds required and their cues.
what is the role and responsibility of a set designer?
- designs the set for a performance.
- work closely with the director and other to meet all the needs of the performance, and to create a coherent show.
what is the role and responsibility of a costume designer?
- designs the costumes for a performance.
- costume department = wardrobe.
what is the role and responsibility of a technician?
- works backstage, either setting up technical equipment (e.g. microphones, rigging lights) before a production, or operates technical equipment during the production.
