Parts that a playwright uses in the play Plot (the story) Theme (meaning of the story) Characters Suspense Language (dialect, slang, etc.) Monologue or soliloquy Dialogue Stage Directions

5 main parts of plot: Exposition Rising action Climax Falling action Conclusion Setting – time and place Plays are divided into Acts which are further divided into Scenes

Scenery: Suggest a location, time period, or physical setting Flats – painted canvas covered frames Flats can also be curtains, wood, cardboard, Styrofoam, paper mache, etc.

Sound Sound effects or mood music Microphones if needed

Lighting Creates effects that signify mood Colors are often used to give a sense of the time of day Used to work with colors of costumes

Make-up: Lighting can “wash out” actors faces, so make- up is used to accentuate features Used to help create character Allows for creativity – fake noses, fake blood, etc. Includes fake hair and hair styles

Costumes: Create feel for time, setting, place, job and social position Need to consider colors that will work well with the lighting used

Props: Set props – stationary items on the stage (sofas, chairs, tables) Hand props – carried by the actors to enhance their character (swords, handbags, feather dusters)

Acting, verbal and nonverbal, reflects a character’s motivation: Motivation – how everything from a character’s past, present, and future effects their actions Wants, Obstacles, Strategies, Age, Wealth, Where from, Emotions, Education

Empathy Main goal of actor To indentify w/ an actor Share the actor’s feelings Speaking Breath control Volume/Projection Pronunciation/enunciation

Vocal expression: Diction (correct words/pronunciation) Rate Articulation (dialect) Volume Nonverbal expression: Facial expressions Body alignment Gestures and basic movement

Proscenium Stage – raised picture-frame stage (box stage)

Arena Stage – audience sits on all sides – often lower than the audience

Thrust Stage – extends into the seating area of the audience – seating on three sides

Cast – group of actors who perform in the play Crew – group of designers and technical staff working behind the scenes

Coordinates all important aspects of a production Audition and cast characters Meet with designers Deal with scheduling

Creates the material to be performed The central “must have” in any production Also referred to as a dramatist Royalty – money paid to a playwright or publisher for the rights to perform a play

The person who backs a play by paying: Bills Salaries Royalties

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