Key Dramatic Terms 14.11.24

Question 1

Apron

Answer 1

Any part of the stage that extends past the proscenium arch and into the audience or seating area

Question 2

Beat

Answer 2

A momentary pause or delay in which there is a subtle shift in mood, thought or feeling.

Question 3

Catharsis

Answer 3

An aspect of Aristotle’s theory of tragedy which attempts to describe the feeling of release felt by the audience at the end of a tragedy
- set free from emotional hold of the action after experiencing strong emotions + sharing in protagonist‘s struggles

Question 4

Climax

Answer 4

The point of greatest intensity in a series/progression of events in a play, often forming the turning point of the plot and leading to some kind of resolution

Question 5

Dynamics

Answer 5

Variations in levels of energy, physical movement, pace or emotional intensity in a scene. Also used in tech theatre to describe the difference between levels of sound.

Question 6

Inflection

Answer 6

Change in pitch of the voice, specifically the way it rises and falls. Used to communicate meaning and intention in dialogue. Rising suggests a question, falling a statement.

Question 7

Non-verbal expression

Answer 7

Communicating feelings, responses or attitudes through gesture, physical movement, facial expression or sounds such as sighs or groans

Question 8

Proxemics

Answer 8

Term for ‘spatial relationships’ referring to the physical distances between actors on a stage that communicates the relationship between different characters.

Question 9

Status

Answer 9

The power dynamic between two characters.

Question 10

Tension

Answer 10

The atmosphere created by unresolved disquieting or inharmonious situations that human beings feel compelled to address.

Question 11

Colour filter

Answer 11

Also known as a gel, a color filter is positioned in front of a lantern to change the color of the light.

Question 12

Cross fade

Answer 12

Bringing another lighting state up to completely replace the current lighting state.