1. Elements of Drama

2. Plot or Storyline
Every story must have a Beginning… Middle… End… Don’t forget the conflict !

3. What’s in a play? Prologue
(separate introductory section of a literary work)
Monologue
(speech by one character to another)
Soliloquy
(a character, alone, reveals inner thoughts and feelings)
Aside
(a character’s direct address to the audience, which is not heard by the other characters)
Dialogue/lines
( conversation between characters. The words they speak)

4. Elements of Production
Set or Scenery -
The background built on stage to establish time and place for the audience.
(May be literal or symbolic.)

5. (change can be real or artistic)
Costumes & Make-up
These can be used to change an actor’s posture, age, physical build, etc.
(change can be real or artistic)

6. Props
Props are small items used on stage to help convey meaning. sunglasses school bag books

7. Sound & Lights
These can be used to establish setting, mood, period; and build plot & character.

8. Roles
An actor or actress’ part in a play, movie, etc. Stock characters in Commedia dell’arte.

9. Drama Terms Drama…A play.
Act…A division of a play (introduction, rising action, climax, etc.).
Scene…A division of an act (changing of characters).
Stage directions… Instructions the playwright gives to the actors and crew.
Dialogue/Lines…The conversation an actor has with other actors or him or herself. Each character has lines to speak in a play.
Diction…The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

10. The Elements of Performance
character
movement
vocal expression
speaking style
listening
acting
storytelling

11. The Script (composed of lines)
Title
Character List
Scene Description (& sometimes a set description)
Scene or Act #
Dialogue
All CAPS = Character name
Italics = Stage Directions
Regular type = spoken words
JAMES – (softly) Tracy? (clears throat) Tracy? (louder, getting braver) Tracy? Wake up, I need to tell you something…

12. Two Basic “Flavors” Comedy
Comedies are dramatic works which use humor (wit) to explore various themes and characters. Comedies usually end on a happy note.
Tragedy
Tragedies treat serious subjects and often focus on the tragic hero’s character. Tragedies usually end with death.