The Elements of Drama 6th Grade Language Arts

Drama- a story that is meant to be performed Comes from the Greek Word, “Dran” Means “To do” or “To Act” The Doing/Acting Makes Drama

Elements of Drama Playwright-the author of a play Script – the written story available for everyone involved in performing

Elements of Drama Actors / Cast -the people who perform Acts - the units of action Scenes - parts of the acts

Elements of Drama Characterization -playwright’s technique for making memorable characters

Dramatic Speech Dialogue -conversation between or among characters Monologue - long speech by one single character (private thoughts)

Stage Directions- notes in a script that describe how it should be performed (not spoken aloud when read) Often found in brackets [ ] or italics or ( ) Describe scenery, props and how characters act, speak, and/or move

Stage directions Stage directions

Theater Where a play takes place Anywhere can become a theater!

Set Construction on the stage that shows time/place Could be called scenery

Props Small movable items that the actors use to make actions look real

Narrator A speaker who helps to tell the story (usually not a character) Normally used to give an introduction to the act or scene

(Doctor is sitting next to Prince Arthur’s bedside.) 16TH CENTURY DOCTOR: Don't worry Prince Arthur, I've already got the leaches ready to bleed you. You'll be feeling fit as a fiddle in a moment. (Exit Arthur and 16th Century Doctor.) NARRATOR: And, that was that. In 1502, at the age of fifteen, Arthur died and the short marriage was over... (Enter Catherine of Aragon and Stage-Hand.) CATHERINE OF ARAGON: My Lord, your army won a great victory over the Scottish at Flodden Field. HENRY VIII: That's wonderful news, Catherine! NARRATOR: Two years later, there was more good news for Big Hal. (Stage-hand bows and presents a doll to Catherine of Aragon. Catherine of Aragon happily shows child to Henry VIII.) CATHERINE OF ARAGON: And, this is our daughter Mary. Doesn't she have a cute smile? NARRATOR: Unfortunately, Big Hal believed that a male heir was essential to prevent rival claims to the throne leading to another civil war and consolidate the Tudor Dynasty. HENRY VIII: A daughter? I need a son! What's the matter with you woman? She can't play football and she can't be a strong king.