THEATRE I SEM 1

2014 – EXAM REVIEW

STAGE AREAS• Know the definitions of the following:

• Back stage• Wings• Apron• Greenroom• Be able to identify the nine stage areas on the diagram

STAGE AREA DIAGRAM

CHARACTER ANALYSIS• Know why this is important for every actor and every

character that you portray!

• Know know how to create a written character analysis

• Include the character’s background, history, idiosyncrasies, likes, dislikes, habits, current situation etc

• Know where to find information about your character

• Research• The play• The author• What you create

THE 5 W’S OFCHARACTER ANALYSIS

WHO – who is the character, AND who are they talking to?

WHAT – what is going on in the scene and what happened just before you enter the scene

WHEN – when does the scene take place: the time of day, time of year, time period

WHERE – where does the scene take place/the setting/location

WHY – why are you speaking (your motivation)? What do you want from the person or people you are speaking to (your objective)

GIVEN CIRCUMSTANCES• The 5 W’s are part of the given circumstances

• Includes the “moment before”

• You get these from

• What the author says, the facts the author gives in the script

• What the character says about themselves• What others say about the character• What you as an actor bring to the character and the

situation of the play, scene or monologue

IMPROVISATION• Know the definition of improvisation

• Know the basic rules of improv

• Do not try to be funny• Be in the moment• Never say “no”• Don’t deny• Always accept what your partner gives you• Create a character and a relationship with the other

character/person• Listen and react honesty to what your partner gives you

STORYTELLING• It is the earliest form of acting

• Don’t just “read” a story… Tell it

• When storytelling you should

• Fill the story with action and objectives• Create characters• Use expression

PANTOMIME• Acting using gestures instead of words

• To be successful in pantomime you must be aware of your surroundings and use your senses to create what is not there

• You must consider weight

• Know the three parts of of creating illusion

• The approach• The click (grasp)• The release away

SAFETY FOR ACTORS• Basic safety rules

• Do not lean on the “rail”• Wearing hair down during rehearsals or in work calls can

be dangerous• Clean makeup brushes and applicators regularly• Do not share eye makeup • Do NOT use personal stereo equipment on stage• Follow all safety regulations whether spoken or written• The major causes of accidents in the theatre are

• Insufficient knowledge• Carelessness• Being in a hurry

FIRE SAFETY• Every theatre should have an ABC rated fire extinguisher

• Do not block fire exits for any reason

• The Fire curtain is designed to separate the audience from the performing area in case of a fire

TERMINOLOGY(KNOW THE DEFINITIONS OF THE FOLLOWING TERMS.)

• Diaphragm

• Projection

• Articulation

• Dramatic Action

• Act

• Acting Area

• Active Listening

• Apron

• Willing Suspension of Disbelief

• Set

• Mime

• Diction

• Climax

• Cue

• Blocking

• Antagonist

• Protagonist

• Inciting Incident

• Anti Climax

• Conclusion

• Pantomime

• Improvisation

PREPARE FOR THE ESSAY PORTION

Know about the Addams Family, if you didn’t see it, rent the movie and watch the movie

Know how summarize the character analysis you wrote for your character from your monologue, one-act or Broadway revue.