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Theatre > Units 1-6 > Flashcards

Units 1-6 Flashcards

0
Q

What separates drama/theatre from the rest of th arts? What makes up theatre arts?

A

It is imitative and has dialogue.
Theatre Arts are made up of acting, directing, technical theatre

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1
Q

What is art? What disiplines are considiered art?

A

NON SCIENTIFIC and UNIQUE
Disciplines – choir, band, orchestra, theatre, dance, creative writing, art and graphic design

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2
Q

What are the sections of theatre?

A

Acting, Directing, Technical Theatre (Set, Lights, Costumes/MakeUp/Props/Sounds)

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3
Q

Explain the term “legitimate theatre”. How is it different from movies or TV?

A

Legitimate theatre is live acting on stage.
The movies and TV can be selective in what they show. It can be edited and you can start over.

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4
Q

How did drama begin?

A

In prehistoric times, the people would re-create their battles and events of the day for each other.

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5
Q

What does the word “drama” mean? What language does it come from?

A

“to act” or “to do” ;It comes from Greek

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6
Q

Who was Thespis?

A

In 500 BC, Thespis stepped out of the Greek chorus to become the first actor

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7
Q

What is theatre discipline? Why is it important to a good production?

A

Self discipline at the heart of theatre You should do physical and vocal
warm ups; be on time; learn your lines on time; listen to your director; pick up cues; take care of your body and DEMAND EXCELLENCE
All these things put together can only create a great show.

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8
Q

Can acting, directing, theatre technical skills, etc. be taught? What part does ‘talent’ play?

A

It can be taught – but the actor needs to realize that it is hard work and not just fun and games. It is highly complex and takes patience and hard work.
We work to hone your talents in order to make you the best actor/technician possible.

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9
Q

What is etiquette?

A

Proper behavior in certain settings (such as the theatre, church, etc.)

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10
Q

What behavior is expected of the audience at a live theatre performance?

A

No talking during performance; no cell phones or texting; be on time; be quiet during the performance; no food in the theatre; respect the work on stage by responding appropriately. Laugh and clap at appropriate times.

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11
Q

What is a critic?

A

A person who evaluates a performance

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12
Q

What is a critique? What other word is often used instead of critique?

A

Written or oral evaluation of a performance
A review

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13
Q

Who is Aristotle?

A

Greek philosopher, Wrote “The Poetics”
Gave us the key elements of a successful play!

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14
Q

What are the six criteria of good theatre according to Aristotle?

A

Plot: series of related events
Character: people in the play (be believable, honest and loud)
Thought: (theme) specific idea that gives unity and purpose; is it universal? Can you relate?
Language: words that are used; they tell us about the character, location, social aspects of the story, etc.
Spectacle: the visual elements (costumes, make up, sets, props, light and movement
Song: music or melodies used to underscore and help tell the story; sets the mood

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15
Q

Define the following terms: falling action, initial incident, climax, conclusion, preliminary situation, rising action

A

falling action: the events following the climax
initial incident: first most important event
climax: turning point – highest moment of action
conclusion: the end or the final outcome
preliminary situation: what happened before the play began
rising action: series of things that complicate the action/plot

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16
Q

Other PLOT words to define are: exposition, crisis, catastrophe, denouement

A

exposition – the facts of who, what, where, when
crisis – moment of decision – moment of a major event
catastrophe – an unlucky event (unplanned event)
denouement – solution of the story/mystery resolved/resolution

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17
Q

Other words to know: protagonist, antagonist, anti-hero, avant-garde

A

protagonist – main character
antagonist – the person or force working against the protagonist
anti-hero – main character with less than heroic character
avant-garde – new or experimental style of an art form. When everyone decides it is art, it is no longer avant garde

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18
Q

Stage right

A

Area to right of actor

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19
Q

Stage left

A

Area to left of actor

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20
Q

Upstage

A

Area farthest for audience

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21
Q

Downstage

A

Area closest to audience

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22
Q

Off stage

A

Not seen by audience

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23
Q

On stage

A

In sight of audience

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24
Apron
Stage in front of formal curtain
25
Grand drape
Formal curtain
26
Wings
Off stage areas
27
Orchestra pit
Lowered are in front of stage for band
28
Proscenium arch
Frames stage
29
Thrust stage
Audience on three sides
30
Arena stage
Audience on 4 sides
31
Asbestos curtain
Fire curtain
32
Traveler
Moves horizontally
33
Borders
Masks stage lights
34
Legs
Hides backstage
35
Counterwight system
Raises/lowers scenery
36
Grid
Metal frame with pullies
37
Fly space
Air above stage, scenery can be stored here
38
Fly rail
Where you stand when running the fly
39
Loading platform
Where techs load/unload weights
40
Arbor
Where the counterwieghts are stored
41
Counterwieghts
Weights shaped like bricks
42
Batten
Unload scenery/lights
43
Electric
Battern with outlets
44
Scene shop
Where sets are bulit/painted
45
Flat
Wooden frame covered with fabric, basic set piece
46
Saftey cable
Strong lightweight cable to keeep lights in place
47
Dressing rooms
Where actors get in costume/put on makeup
48
Green room
Where cast/crew gather after show
49
What is the difference between pantomime and nonverbal communication?
Nonverbal communication – most of our daily communication without words Pantomime – acting without words
50
What are the three parts of nonverbal communication? Define each.
Facial Expressions – using the face to communicate an idea or emotion Gesture – movement of body part to express an idea or emotion Body Language – body posture, stance or position
51
Why is pantomime valuable for an actor?
The visual aspect of the character is one of the most important things in creating a character for the audience
52
Why is appearance important to an actor?
Appearance is a large part of our everyday and nonverbal communication In an interview situation, most employers said that: 7% - interview response; 38% - how it was delievered; 55% on apearance
53
Lets’ r-e-l-a-x -----and warm-up!! Why?
It provides inner composure, mental awareness, increased flexibility and focus to the actor
54
What is an actor’s richest source of authentic material for pantomime? What are other sources?
Observation Also books, magazines, movies, TV, and especially the news
55
Define the seven important physical properties to consider in pantomime?
Size – height, width, length of objects Shape – example: a cup – is it big, small, round (what is the shape of the object?) Weight – how heavy is the object? Resistance – what is the pressure given by the object in opposition to the actor? Texture – the feeling of the surface of the object Placement – what is the location of the object? Remember it... Condition – including temperature, taste, light, sound, smell, etc.
56
In stage terminology, what does the word cross mean? Countercross?
Cross – to move from one stage position to another on the stage Counter cross – movement in opposite directions by 2 or more actors to balance the stage picture
57
What are some general guidelines to follow in using gestures on stage?
Use the upstage arm Kneel on downstage knee Face always precedes the body Always turn body toward downstage No T-Rex arms!! Use the upstage arm Kneel on downstage knee Face always precedes the body Always turn body toward downstage No T-Rex arms!!
58
In acting terms,define the following: bubble | What two things might happen when a bubble is invaded?
“bubble” the imaginary sphere people establish around themselves – the size of the bubble defines the personality confrontation or intimacy
59
master gesture, leading center, cheating, sharing, taking, giving
master gesture” distinctive action that is repeated – a clue to a character personality “leading center” slight or exaggerated part of the body that shows character personality “cheating” turning the torso or moving slightly to be seen by the audience “sharing” 2 actors having equal attention on stage “taking” shifting attention to yourself “giving” shifting attention to another actor (taking yourself out of the scene)
60
what is mime?
Abstract and highly stylized version of pantomime. Does NOT imitate real life.
61
Names to know
Charlie Chaplin – American silent film actor/star. He created the character “The Tramp” Marcel Marceau – French mime who reawakened the world to the power of silent acting
62
How is the voice produced? What is necessary for correct speech and voice production?
Through the vocal folds with a relaxed body and proper breathing Necessary – good posture, open, relaxed throat, flexible lips and tongue
63
What things can affect a voice adversely?
Illness, fatigue, stress, dairy, yelling, negative emotions, dehydration, smoking Good for the voice - water
64
What are they made of?
The vocal folds are located in the throat, adams apple or thyroid cartilage. They are made of muscle.
65
What is controlled breathing?
Ribcage up and posture good, brief inhalation and slow controlled exhilation
66
Why is relaxation and warm-up important to good vocal production?
It determines the beauty of the voice and carrying power of the vowels Since the voice is a muscle, it must be warmed up just as any athlete would warm up their muscles before working out or competing
67
What is resonance?
The richness of sound when vibrations are amplified
68
What is a resonator?
A chamber where sound is captured and amplified 5 human resonators – throat, head, chest, nose, mouth
69
What is nasality?
Sounds that are forced through the nose/nasal cavity
70
Which sounds in English should be sounded through the nose?
M, N, NG
71
Quality
individual sound of each particular voice; influenced by the environment
72
pitch
relative highness or lowness of the voice two definitions to know that have to do with pitch: inflection – gradual raising or lowering of pitch within a vowel, word, or sentence rising inflection = question; falling inflection = completion monotone – vocal pitch is all on one level
73
Volume
relative strength, force, or intensity in the voice | explosive force – sudden sharp sound expulsive force – steady released sound through breath pressure
74
Rate
speed at which words are spoken rapid delivery – tension, excitement, light, comic, happy slower delivery – important, calm, serene, reverent, tragic
75
What is the proper way to use a pause? Where do pauses come in a thought group?
Between thought groups – but not too choppy | Pauses don’t come in thought groups A pause can be more effective than words
76
How is the voice used to provide emphasis?
By changing the rate, quality, volume, or pitch
77
What is meant by “swallowing words”?
Sound is prevented from resonating and kept in the throat
78
Define diction and its results.
The correct articulation of sounds; proper formation of words with distinct clear speech
79
What are some habits of sloppy speech?
Slurring, swallowing words, mumbling, muttering, dropping words at ends of sentences, Running words together
80
What is a vowel? How are their tones formed? What are diphthongs?
Unobstructed tone through the mouth; By the lips, tongue, jaw, soft palette; Combinations of two vowel sounds; these are useful in accents
81
What are consonants? With which articulators is the sound blocked?
Sounds made by deliberately blocking air; Tongue, soft palette, lips, jaw, teeth
82
What is the difference between voiced and unvoiced consonants?
Voiced – vibrations occur, unvoiced- no vibrations

Theatre (1 decks)

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