Download Standard Grade Drama - KSSStandardGradeHwk

Standard Grade Drama
Body of Knowledge
Pupil Name____________________
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
1
DRAMA
Drama is a representation of life consciously created
through different forms and styles, using language and
movement activities single or in combination.
Drama explores the relationships between:
 People
 People and ideas
 People and the environment
The most common approach to drama is through:
Improvisation
 Spontaneous Improvisation
 Rehearsed Improvisation
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
2
Part One
THE DRAMA PROCESS
Devised Drama
In devising a presentation from a stimulus a process can be
identified:
1)
2)
3)
Responding to stimulus
Offering ideas
Discussing and selecting ideas for situations and
roles
4) Agreeing form, structuring and devices
5) Setting up space
6) Rehearsing
7) Reviewing
8) Adding theatre arts
9) Presenting to an audience
10) Evaluating
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
3
SISASROTPE
If this is all too much for you, then you can use the
abbreviated version – SISASROTPE
Stimulus
Ideas
Situations and Roles
Agreeing Form, Structure and Devices
Setting up space
Rehearsing
Ongoing Reviewing
Theatre Arts
Presenting
Evaluating
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
4
STIMULUS
All drama is
anything that
presentation.
starting point











a response to a stimulus. A stimulus is
suggests ideas that can be developed into a
A stimulus could also be described as a
for drama, e.g.
pictures
props
scripts
location
stories
people
costume
newspaper articles
words
situations
music/sound/FX
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
5
CREATING AND PRESENTING
This is the process which begins with stimulus and ends
with summative evaluation.
CREATING involves the evolution of content and roles
through practical investigation, experimentation and
problem-solving.
PRESENTING involves the review of the creating process,
decision-making, rehearsal, presentation and evaluation.
EVALUATION
EVALUATION is the process of reflecting, reviewing and
target-setting. It can be continuous or summative and can
be of self or others.
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
6
Continuous evaluation (ongoing reviewing) involves
evaluation during the Creating and Presenting process,
without which the drama cannot develop.
Summative evaluation involves retrospective judgement in
order to learn from experience and set future targets.
We evaluate by using:






individual reflection
group discussion
teacher input
video/audio review
written tasks
taped responses
This should involve:
 Outlining the work undertaken/seen
 giving opinions on effectiveness
 justifying these opinions

suggesting improvements
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
7
Part Two
Component Parts
LANGUAGE AND VOICE
LANGUAGE AND VOICE are dependent on situation, role
and purpose.
LANGUAGE is what we say or write (vocabulary and
order). VOICE is how we communicate verbally (meaning,
expression and delivery).
VOICE is given meaning and expression through the use of:












accent
pace
volume
clarity
emphasis
pause
pitch
tone
articulation
fluency
intonation
register
Foundation
General
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
Credit
8
MOVEMENT
MOVEMENT is a way of exploring and expressing ideas,
emotions, symbols and relationships. It can be naturalistic,
as in its use to aid characterisation, or stylised,
expressing abstract ideas, as in dance/drama, mime, mask
and
dance.
Improvised
movement
may
provide
opportunities for a personalised response. Rehearsed
movement may allow participants to develop their own
ideas or lead to more stylised movement.
Naturalistic movement, as in characterisation, involves:
Foundation
General
Credit
 body language
 facial expression
 gesture
 eye contact
 posture
 use of space
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
9
Stylised movement, as in expressing abstract ideas
involves:
Foundation
General
Credit
 Balance
 Speed
 Timing
 Positioning
 Use of levels
 Use of space
 Rhythm
 Stance
 Use of direction
MIME
Mime is a stylised form of movement, which creates an
illusion of reality. To be effective, mimed movement should
be:





Simple
Precise
Exaggerated
Clear
Slow
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
10
ROLE-PLAY
ROLE-PLAY is a means of exploring attitudes and beliefs.
It is an activity in which participants investigate and
develop an imaginary situation either as themselves or
from the point of view of someone else. They are simply
representing a point of view, which may or may not agree
with their personal opinion.
It is likely to be open-ended with no pre-determined path,
but the purpose and starting point should be clear.
It is essentially a language-based activity, which allows
participants to use language appropriate to simulated
situations.
Participants should be able to adopt roles in simulated
situations and sustain attitudes and beliefs, using
appropriate language.
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
11
CHARACTERISATION
CHARACTERISATION is the investigation and portrayal,
in depth, of a specific role. It can build on role-play by
adding individual physical and mental characteristics. The
theatre arts of costume, make-up and props may be used
to develop and present a character.
When developing a character, consideration should be
given to the:
 social, economic and cultural background of the
character
 relationships with other characters in the drama
 portrayal of character in terms of language, voice and
movement
 Status and changes in status of the characters
involved
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
12
Characterisation Techniques
A variety of techniques can be used in the investigation of
characterisation:
Foundation
General
Credit
 character cards
 improvisation
 role-play
 hot-seating
 voices in the head
 writing in role
 thought tracking
 thought tunnel
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
13
PURPOSE
The PURPOSE / PURPOSES of a presentation must be
established in order to communicate meaning.
FOCUS will indicate key movements or scenes, key
characters, key relationships or key events within a
presentation. It is important to realise that the focus of a
scene makes us understand it.
A presentation can be used for the following purposes,
either singly or in combination to:
Foundation
General
Credit
 communicate a message
 entertain
 tell a story
 educate
 explore a theme or issue
 explore and experience
(e.g. through audience participation / forum theatre)
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
14
FORM
FORM is the overall style of the drama:
Foundation
General
Credit
 a play (scripted or
improvised)
 dance drama
 mime
 monologue
 movement
 musical
 pantomime
 comedy
 tragedy
 docu-drama
 forum theatre
Within these forms, each of which has conventions
associated with it, there is the opportunity to experiment
with both the structures of the presentation and the
conventions which enhance it.
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
15
STRUCTURE
STRUCTURE is the way in which time, place and action are
sequenced. A linear or chronological structure involves the
action unfolding from beginning to middle to end. A nonlinear structure involves the action unfolding through
shifts in time (flashback / flashforward) and/or place.
CONVENTIONS
CONVENTIONS (devices) are
presenting part(s) of a drama.







Foundation
flashback / flashforward
freeze frame
frozen picture
mime
monologue
movement
slow motion
alternative
General
ways
of
Credit
 narration
 voice over
 aside
 soliloquay
 tableau(x)
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
16
MOOD AND ATMOSPHERE
MOOD AND ATMOSPHERE concern the feelings and
emotions aroused by the drama and therefore involve an
audience response to what is being seen and heard. There
is a link between mood and atmosphere and tension.
TENSION
TENSION is the driving force in drama. It causes others
to want to know what is going to happen next and sustains
interest and momentum. It creates challenges and
prevents the drama becoming superficial or boring.
There is a link between dramatic tension and mood and
atmosphere.
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
17
Tension can be created through:
Foundation
General
Credit
 movement
 shock or surprise
 silence





action
conflict and confrontation
mystery
relationships and status
threat or pressure
 dramatic irony
Acting techniques can be used to heighten tension and
create mood and atmosphere:
Foundation





General
Credit
movement
pace
pause
silence
voice
 eye contact
 moves
 physical contact
 contrast
 positioning
 timing
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
18
Theatre Arts can be used to heighten tension and
create mood and atmosphere, through:
Foundation
General
Credit
 Costume
 Lighting (LFX)
 Music




Make-up
Masks
Props
Sound Effects (SFX)
 Set
 Special Effects
 staging
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
19
THEATRE ARTS
THEATRE ARTS is the collective name for lighting, sound,
costume, props, make-up and set design.
Design concepts are a director’s idea on how theatre arts
can reflect and emphasise the themes/issues of a
presentation, its characters, mood, tension and
atmosphere.
Taking responsibility for theatre arts involves the ability
to:
 select, organise, list and use costume
 know the function of lighting, select effects and use a
cue sheet
 select, organise and use make-up
 select/collate, organise, list and use props
 select, organise and compile a ground plan for a set
design
 know the function of sound, select sound effects and
use a cue sheet
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
20
When assuming responsibility for any of the THEATRE
ARTS, the following process can be identified:
* familiarisation with script or scenario
* identification of needs
* liaison with director and fellow designers
* preparation of initial designs
* preparation/organisation of materials
* implementation
* refinement/adjustment in the light of experience
* finalisation
* operation
* removal/storage/resetting as appropriate
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
21
DIRECTING
DIRECTING is the process of interpreting a script or
scenario and realising it in performance in conjunction with
actors and design team members.
DESIGN CONCEPTS are a director’s ideas on how theatre
arts can reflect and emphasise the themes and issues of a
drama, its characters, mood atmosphere and tension.
A script or scenario may be all, or part of, a published or
original work.
A director assumes responsibility for:
 the interpretation of script / scenario, including
punctuation inferences.
 Design concepts
 Casting
 the rehearsal process
 Blocking
 communicating/ liaising with actors and design team
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
22
SCRIPT
A script consists of the written words of a drama. A script
may be published or original work.
The conventions associated with a script include:
 Division of the script into acts and /or scenes.
 A description of the set for each act / scene
 An indication of changes of time and place for each
act / scene
 The allocation of lines to actors
 The inclusion of stage-directions
 Recommendation on the use of theatre arts to
enhance the action.
These conventions should apply in the reading, writing and
interpretation of scripts.
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
23
THE ACTING AREA
The acting area is that part of available space occupied by
the set and used by the actors when acting.
Staging is the position of the acting area relative to the
audience.
Types of staging are;
Foundation
General
Credit
 End on
 Theatre in the Round
 Thrust
 Proscenium Arch
 Avenue
 Promenade
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
24
Areas of the stage indicate the division of the acting
area into nine sections. The allocation of left and right is
taken from the actor’s point of view.









USR
USC
USL
CSR
CS
CSL
DSR
DSC
DSL
FOUNDATION / GENERAL / CREDIT
Set is the scenery and furniture on the acting area
indicating the setting (place). To dress the set is to add
soft furnishings and set props.
A ground plan is a bird’s eye view of the set, showing
furniture, entrances / exits and the position of the
audience.
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
25
GROUND PLAN
A ground plan is a ‘bird’s eye’ view of the acting area which shows
the furniture, entrances / exits and the position of the audience.
When drawing a ground plan, remember the following:
K
KAVES
A key
Clearly showing all symbols used.
A
Audience / Arrow
Indicated in the appropriate place.
V
Dramatic Viability
Sightlines must be considered and the set must
allow movement of actors.
E
Entrances / Exits
Indicated by a door symbol where a door flat
would be used, or arrows when walls/doors are
imaginary and do not exist.
S
Staging / Symbols / Scale
Delineation of the acting area.
symbols and relative proportions.
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
Appropriate
26
KEY
Table
Chair
Flat
Window Flat
Entrance / Exit (Door flat)
Entrance / Exit
Rostrum (plural = rostra) A rostrum is a
raised platform.
Treads (stairs) Arrow indicates the
upwards direction.
~~~~~~
Curtain
Backcloth
Gauze
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
27
Foundation Terms
Accent—way of speaking used in a local area or country.
Audience—people watching a drama
Balance– keeping an even distribution of weight
Blackout—the acting area is not lit
Slow fade to—the lighting is faded out slowly
Fast fade to-the lighting/sound is faded out quickly
Snap to-blackout is achieved instantly
Body Language– messages given by the position or movement of the body.
Character-specific person in a drama
Characterisation-the process of fully developing a character.
Conventions—alternative ways of presenting parts of a drama
Costume-clothes worn by actors for their character.
Creating-the process of developing a drama’s content and roles through practical exploration,
experimentation and problem solving.
Cross fade-to change from one lighting cue to another with no blackout in between, or to change from
one sound cue to another with no silence in between.
Cue-a signal for an actor to do or say something, or for a lighting or sound effect to begin or end.
Dance drama-a drama presented through dance moves
Dress rehearsal-final rehearsal of a drama with all the theatre arts.
End on-audience seated at one end –a acting area at the other.
Enter– to come on stage
Evaluate—to judge the strengths and weaknesses of a drama.
Exit-to leave the acting area
Facial expression-look on face which shows emotion
Flashback-acting out an event in the past
Flash forward-acting out of a future or imagined event.
Flood-lantern giving a wide spread of light
Form-the overall style of a drama
Freeze frame-the action is frozen in time
Frozen picture-frozen picture
Gel-film placed in front of lantern to change the colour of the beam.
Gesture-movement of the hand or arm which communicates a meaning or emotion.
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
28
Ground plan– bird’s eye view of the set showing what is on the set, entrances/exits and position of the
audience.
Key-explanation of symbols on a ground plan
Make-up-worn by actors for their character
Masks-covering for all, or part, of the face
Mime-stylised form of movement which creates an illusion of reality.
Monologue-a character speaks their thoughts aloud.
Movement-use of the body as a means of communication
Musical—drama which includes song and/or music
Pace-speed of speech or movement
Pantomime—Christmas theatrical entertainment usually based on a fairy tale.
Performance-presentation of a drama to an audience
Personal prop—an item carried o worn by a character, eg glasses, handbag, wallet.
Play-another word for a drama
Presenting-the results of the Creating process including performance and evaluation.
Props-short for properties –objects used by an actor
Rehearsal—practice or preparation of a drama
Rehearsed improvisation-drama devised/created without a script which is rehearsed before
presentation.
Role-play– a means of exploring attitudes and beliefs
Scenario-outline of the plot of a drama, including changes in time or place.
Scene-section of a drama, set in one place at one time.
Set—scenery used to show where a drama takes place
Set-to place a drama in a certain time or place.
Set prop-an item placed on the set, usually part of it.eg lamp, clock, picture.
Sight lines– what the audience sees of the stage from where they are sitting.
Slow motion-movement performed at a slowed down speed.
Spotlight-beam of light created by a lantern for a person or place on the acting area.
Stage Directions-written or spoken how to act a drama
Staging– the position of the acting area relative to the audience
Stereotype-_an exaggerated portrayal of a type of person.
Stimulus– anything which suggests ideas which can be developed into a drama.
Structure-way in which time, place and action are sequenced.
Target audience-a specific group of people at whom a drama is aimed.
Tension-build up of excitement
Theatre arts-the collective name for lighting, sound costume, props, make-up and set.
Theatre in the round-audience seated all around the acting area.
Thrust-audience seated on three sides of the acting area.
Timing-speaking, moving or pausing at exactly the right moment.
Volume—loudness or quietness of the voice.
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
29
General Terms
Clarity—clearness of the voice
Comedy-a drama which is funny/comical
Dialogue– A conversation between two or more characters.
Emphasis– the stress on a word or phrase
Flats-wooden frames, joined together and covered with canvas, which can be painted.
Door flat– frame into which a door is built
Window flat-frame into which a window is built
Focus-key moment, scene, character, relationship or event in a drama
Focussing-positioning the lanterns to get the desired lighting
Follow spot-powerful profile used to follow actors around the acting area
Fresnel spot– lantern giving a soft edge beam of light
Hot-seating-questioning a character in role
Narration-part(s) of the drama are told as a story by a narrator
Pause-a break in speaking; period of silence
Pitch-how high or low the voice is
Plot-storyline of the drama
Posture-position of the body—how it is held
Profile spot-lantern giving a hard-edged beam of light.
Role-part played by an actor /attitude adopted
Proscenium Arch-stage within an enclosing arch
Scenery-resources used to create the setting where a drama takes place, e.g. backcloth, flats, rostra,
furniture
Script-the written words of a drama
Spontaneous improvisation– drama created ‘on the spot’ without a script or plan
Status—importance relative to others
Tone-change of voice to express emotion
Tragedy-a drama about unhappy events and with a sad ending
Venue-place where a drama is presented
Voice-over-recorded speech played during a drama
Voices in the head– recall of words said by others about a character or situation.
Credit Terms
Articulation-clear pronunciation of words
Aside-a remark to the audience only
Auditorium-the area for the audience, generally filled with seats
Avenue-audience seated on two sides of the acting area
Backcloth-canvas cloth which covers the back of the stage: can be painted
Backstage-non-acting area behind the stage
Barn doors-adjustable metal flaps attached to the front of a fresnel.
Blocking-deciding where and when actors will move on stage
Cyclorama-the back wall of the stage which can be painted or lit.
Docudrama– a documentary style drama, including reconstructions of events
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
30
Dramatic irony-actions or remarks whose significance is not realised by all the characters.
Flies-area above the stage from where scenery/actors are flown in on pulleys
Fluency-natural, flowing speech
Forum theatre-the audience suggests changes to a drama in order to affect the outcomes
Front Of House (FOH)-any job in the theatre which involves dealing with the audience, eg
box office, refreshments, usher
Gauze-see through material which cannot be seen through when lit from the front, but can be
seen through when lit from behind.
G-clamp-clamp used to secure lantern to lighting bar or stand.
Gobo-thin metal plate cut out in a pattern and placed in a lantern to project pattern or shape
into the acting space.
Intonation-rising and falling of voice in speech.
Masking-one actor unintentionally preventing another from being seen by tbe audience
Mixing desk-control desk for sound effect being used in a drama
Playwright-person who has written the play
Promenade-audience follows the action on foot, moving from one location to another
Prompt-to supply forgotten lines to an actor
Prompt copy-master copy of the script with all moves and technical effects included.
Prompt side-left hand side of the stage where prompter and stage manager sit during
performance.
Pyrotechnics-stage fireworks
Rake-slop of stage (to allow actors to be seen)
Register-appropriate speech for the person being spoken to, or for the situation
Revolving stage-stage which turns in a circle
Rhythm—movements which follow a pattern or beat
Safety chain-used to attach a lantern to the lighting bar for safety
Soliloquy-a single lengthy speech, made when no other characters are on stage
Special effects-used to create a mood or atmospheres. Strobe light, mirror ball, smoke
machine.
Stage whisper-a loud whisper intended to be heard by the audience
Stance-attitude or position of the body
Strike-to remove all the set from the acting area
Tableau-a stage picture, held without movement
Tabs-curtains
Thought-tracking-as aid to characterisation: the character speaks their thoughts out loud.
Thought-tunnel-character (s) walk past other characters who comment on their situation.
Trapdoor-door in a floor
Treads-stairs
Truck-piece of scenery on wheels, for ease of movement
Wings-sides of the theatre stage
Standard Grade Drama ~ Revision ~ Body of Knowledge
31