Theatre Definitions Flashcards
Theatre
the activity of acting in, producing, directing,or writing plays
Tragedy
A serious drama or other literary work in which conflict between a protagonist and a superior force concludes in disaster for the protagonist
Comedy
The genre of dramatic literature that deals with the light or the amusing or with the serious and profound in a light, or satiric manner
Tragicomedy
A drama combining the qualities of tragedy and comedy
Melodrama
In theatre, a genre characterized by stereotyped characters implausible plot and emphasis on spectacle
Performance Art
A genre of art comprising a multi-disciplinary, live, theatrical presentation, usually involving the audience. Typically involves non-theatre artists and a non-theatre environment
Script
The written dialogue an actor/actress uses to bring to life the message contained within it
Plot
In theatre, film, and narrative literature, the structure of the work comprising crises, climax, exposition, complication, and denouement, foreshadowing discovery, and reversals
Exposition
In theatre, film and literature, the aspect of plot in which necessary background information, introduction of characters, and current situation are detailed
Foreshadowing
In visual art, the illusion depicted on a two-dimensional surface in which figures and objects appear to recede or project sharply into space, often rules of linear perspective. In fictional film, theatre, and literature, the organization and presentation of events that prepare the viewer or reader for something that will occur later
Discovery
The realization of what was foreshadowed has reached fruition or has been revealed
Reversal
The back of a coin the opposite of what the viewer, or reader would have expected to happen
Chiaroscuro
In theater, the use of light to enhance the the human body or the elements of the scenery
Protagonist
In theater, film, and literature, the leading actor or personage in a play or narrative work-that is, the major character around whose decisions and actions the plot revolves
Themes
The dominant idea of a work of art, music, film, dance, and In music, art music, film, dance, and literature scenery or elaborate costume
Visual Elements
A distinguishing scene, piece of that takes a given scene and gives the viewer a vivid picture on which to focus
Scene Design
Developing the scenery, background, etc. to best fit what the script and actor/ress requires to deliver the performance to deliver the script
Lighting Design
Developing the Chiaroscuro to set the mood for what is being acted upon at the given time
Epic
In film, a genre characterized by bold and sweeping themes and a protagonist who is an ideal representative of a culture
Dynamics
The increase and decrease of between characters and plots
Actor Actress
The person chosen to play the role in the script
Lifelikeness
The reality of the work. The ability to relate to the movie, drama, musical and make definite links to ones own life
Absurdism
In theater and a War II in conflict with traditional beliefs and values and based on the contention that the universe is irrational and meaningless and that the search for order causes conflict
Special Effects
In cinematography, a feature, often artificial or
