DRAMATIC CONVENTIONS Conventions are the established ways of working in drama and are used to represent and organise dramatic ideas. They strengthen and enhance the performance piece. They assist in the telling of a story and offer insight into the character's past, present and even future.

Story Conventions These conventions add to the story by directly addressing the audience, using chorus, monologue or spoken thoughts to give the audience more information about the character or the situation, or by repeating parts of the story to give strength to, or to explain a moment in the story. Narrator Repetition Interacting with audience Song Chorus Spoken Thoughts and Monologues

Ritual Dance Mime Slow motion Action Conventions These conventions use action to support and explain the story. Dream Sequence

Time conventions These conventions change the time frame to allow the audience to see what happened in the past, what might happen in the future or to freeze a moment in time. Split stage Flash forward Flashback Freeze frame/Tableaux

Process Conventions These conventions help you to develop your character further. Conscience Alley Role on the wall/Mapping Teacher in role Hot seating Writing Letters/Diary entries in role