Drama & Theater Drama – a written composition intended for performance by actors who represent the characters

Dramatic Devices Aside – an actor speaks a line that is intended only for the audience to hear Monologue – a speech that an actor gives in the presence of one or more characters Soliloquy – a speech that an actor gives alone, revealing inner thoughts and emotions Stage Direction – cues included in the play that give the actors instructions (exit stage right)

Dramatic Devices, cont’d. Prologue – often included as an introduction to the plot, characters and conflicts Plays are divided into ACTS and SCENES Act- defined by its relation to the narrative structure (exposition, rising action, etc.) Scene – divisions of the act, allows actors to change location or time.

William Shakespeare Born in Stratford-upon-Avon around 1564, died in 1616 at the age of 52, he wrote 38 plays and 154 sonnets. He is remembered as “The Bard,” one of the greatest writers of the English language.

The Globe Theater

Romeo & Juliet Written around 1595, this tragic romance takes place in Italy, which during this time was the site of the Renaissance, characterized by a renewed interest in the Greco-Roman world and the beginning of global innovations in trade, medicine, philosophy and art. Allusion – a reference in a text to another text, piece of art, or historical event.