1. Drama Core Content presents LITERARYTECHNICALPERFORMANCE Elements of Drama ©2006 EvaMedia, Inc.

2. Drama Core Content ‘Elements’ LITERARY Elements LITERARY Elements “The Story” – Action & Plot TECHNICAL Elements TECHNICAL Elements “The Stuff” – Objects & Equipment PERFORMANCE Elements PERFORMANCE Elements “The Stamina” – Acting & Physicality

3. Literary Elements of Drama ACT I ACT I

4. Literary Elements PLOT – the story or the action (includes exposition, rising action, climax (turning point), falling action, resolution) PLOT – the story or the action (includes exposition, rising action, climax (turning point), falling action, resolution) THEME – the story’s message, meaning, moral or lesson THEME – the story’s message, meaning, moral or lesson

5. Literary Elements SUSPENSE – the conflict (also called the problem or tension) SUSPENSE – the conflict (also called the problem or tension) LANGUAGE – the script (especially the lines spoken by the characters in dialogue) LANGUAGE – the script (especially the lines spoken by the characters in dialogue)

6. Literary Elements STYLE – the way a writer constructs a script – or the way an actor or director interprets it. (Sometimes, the genre of the work.) STYLE – the way a writer constructs a script – or the way an actor or director interprets it. (Sometimes, the genre of the work.)

7. Literary Elements MONOLOGUE – one character speaking MONOLOGUE – one character speaking DIALOGUE – two or more characters speaking DIALOGUE – two or more characters speaking

8. Production Elements of Drama ACT II ACT II

9. Production Elements SCENERY – the set or physical environment in which the action takes place PROPS – objects used in the action of a play PROPS – objects used in the action of a play

10. LIGHTING – used in varying degrees of intensity to indicate mood and create illusion LIGHTING – used in varying degrees of intensity to indicate mood and create illusion SOUND – used for transitions or to suggest something about the environment or action SOUND – used for transitions or to suggest something about the environment or action Production Elements

11. MAKEUP – substances applied to face and body to create the illusion of character MAKEUP – substances applied to face and body to create the illusion of character COSTUMES – clothes (and accessories) actors wear to convey characterizations Production Elements

12. Performance Elements of Drama ACT III ACT III

13. Performance Elements EMPATHY –relating to what a character is feeling or experiencing EMPATHY –relating to what a character is feeling or experiencing MOTIVATION – why a character behaves in a particular way MOTIVATION – why a character behaves in a particular way

14. Performance Elements ANALYSIS – methodically studying a character to understand who she/he is and what she/he is about – in order to best perform or view that character ANALYSIS – methodically studying a character to understand who she/he is and what she/he is about – in order to best perform or view that character DISCOVERY – a revelation (or series of revelations) that helps audience understand a character or story

15. Performance Elements BLOCKING – movement of actors on the stage during the action … where they sit, stand or move … their pathways BLOCKING – movement of actors on the stage during the action … where they sit, stand or move … their pathways

16. Performance Elements BODY ALIGNMENT – creating a posture or physicality that helps to portray characterization BODY ALIGNMENT – creating a posture or physicality that helps to portray characterization NON-VERBAL EXPRESSION – gestures or facial expressions an actor uses to more fully express a character NON-VERBAL EXPRESSION – gestures or facial expressions an actor uses to more fully express a character

17. Performance Elements BREATH CONTROL – maintaining appropriate level & rhythm of respiration so as not to unexpectedly hypo- or hyper-ventilate BREATH CONTROL – maintaining appropriate level & rhythm of respiration so as not to unexpectedly hypo- or hyper-ventilate VOCAL EXPRESSION & INFLECTION – must be in character to match the demands of the characterization VOCAL EXPRESSION & INFLECTION – must be in character to match the demands of the characterization

18. Performance Elements PROJECTION – speaking loudly PROJECTION – speaking loudly DICTION – speaking clearly DICTION – speaking clearly

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