Agenda: Things to Get: –Notebook page 106 Things to Do: –Opener: Review of Plot Structure (Freytag’s Triangle) –Class work: Notes: Technical Elements and Stages –TVG: Scene Analysis Set design Script Composition: Part Two –Exit Slip: Did you learn about the technical elements of drama today?

Opener – page 106 Graph the following digital short on Freytag’s Pyramid.

Notes: Technical Elements of Drama The technical elements of drama add expression and enjoyment in the theatrical world.

Scenery The painted pieces of a stage that suggest a location, time period, or the setting of the play Made of flats, painted canvas covered frames. Some theaters use flats with curtains, wood, cardboard, Styrofoam, paper mache and a variety of materials; creativity is the key

_Sound____: Is that why you can hear actors talk on stage? Most scripts call for sound effects or mood music. If not a director or sound designer may create music for mood to be played before, during or after a performance. In today’s theater, hearing the play is important. Microphones must be managed from a sound booth. Knowing how to run a mixer board and understanding amplification are important skills needed by sound designers/runners.

_Lights____: Are those the yellow things on the left? Create a visual image for the audience based on the needs of the playwright, directors, actors Create mood, time, place Change the colors of costume or enhances the colors of the costumes Adds to the color and vividness of the set, bringing it out of the dark and into the imagination of the audience. Lighting designers are hired to work with the director to design the show. They need to have a working knowledge of electricity and technology because most lighting is computerized.

_Make Up____ Does this make people look better? Enhances the natural features of the face so that lighting does not “wash out” the color of the face. Creates the character Special Effects make-up can be used; putty can be used to build up noses, create scars; fake blood can enhance a look; a twenty- year old person can be made-up to look eighty-five; hair lines can be “soaped out” to create a bald spot or receding hairline. Works with the lighting and costumes to complete the effect needed to communicate character, time, place, setting to the audience.

_Costumes___: What are those people wearing? Create the overall feel of character, time, setting, place Add visual communication to the audience. Define the type of character based on the style and color of the costume Dresses, suits, wigs, dance attire, and vintage clothing can be used on stage Often, costumes are designed and built for performances. Costume designers work with the director to design the overall look for the play. A set of seamstresses and tailors make the costumes and then fit them to the actors and actresses.

_Props_____: What are these things? _Set Props__- items that are stationary on the stage; i.e. sofas, chairs, tables, decorations, telephones _Hand Props- items that are carried on by characters to enhance character, time, and setting or to be used for the action of the play; i.e. handbags, tea sets, teacher dusters, luggage, handkerchiefs, etc. Props are usually listed in the back of the script; however, some scripts require you to read through them and list your own. Some props may be built and painted.

Viewing Analysis: Page 104 What effect do technical elements have on a scene? Task: Get out your Theater Viewing Guide Objective: Identify, describe, and explain the effect of the technical elements of drama on a scene Clip Shown: Cell Block Tango from Chicago

Three types: –Thrust: A thrust stage is where the acting area is extended into the house with the audience seated on three sides. –Proscenium: A proscenium stage is the most common type of stage. Walls that ‘frame’ the front of the acting area are called the ‘proscenium arch.’ Backstage is hidden by scenery, walls, or proscenium. It is where the cast and crew can work while being unseen by the audience. Dressing rooms are located backstage. This area is also called the “wings,” “offstage,” or “off.” –Arena: An arena stage has the audience seated on all sides. It’s also known as the theater in the round. The Stage: The area where the actors perform

Stage Directions: –standard or universal… why? –These directions are used to indicate the locations for actors, props, and scenery. –They are written from the actor’s perspective when standing on stage. –Downstage is the area of the stage closest to the audience while upstage is the area farthest from the audience.

Stage Directions

Performance Assessment Activity Explanation Day Two – Technical Elements – 25 minutes Add the technical elements of drama to the script you wrote last class. You must include all of the following: –Sound –what will add to the presentation of your story? –Lighting - adjust for the mood of your performance –Costumes – These must convey the meaning of the story - make sure you have these with you next class. –Props – These must convey the meaning of the story - make sure you have these with you next class. Revise your script to include the above information. Be sure it is obvious where, when, and how these items and ideas will be used in your performance.

Exit Slip 1) Identify the types of stages scene below: