THEA 1000 1st EditionExam # 1 Study GuideThe term theatre has several meanings:It refers to a building that houses theatrical activities. It is a physical space.It also refers to an Art Form.Lastly, it refers to a discipline. Relationship between performer and audience is important in theater because:ImmediatePerformer can hear the audienceAudience can and does affect the performerThree categories of art LiteraryVisual Performing Characteristics of Performing ArtsMovement through timeRequire interpreters and creatorsRequire an audienceTheatre and the Human ConditionWe enjoy the excitement of the live eventTheatre has a profound connection to the human conditionElements of TheatreAudiencePerformersText or ScriptDirectorTheatre SpacesDesign ElementsTheatrical Elements in Our Everyday lives CeremoniesEventsDécor Traits of a theatre eventLiveImmediate UniquePower of Imagination Vicarious participationAesthetic distanceWilling suspension of disbelief Creating the Text: The Tasks Involved1. Selecting the specific subject of the play2. Determining focus and emphasis3. Establishing Purpose4. Developing dramatic structure5. Creating dramatic character6. Establishing point of viewTypes of Dramatic Characters Extraordinary Allegorical, Representative or QuintessentialStock CharactersCharacters with a Dominant TraitMinor Narrator or ChorusNonhuman Antigone by Sophocles Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare The Theatre Critic: An Audience of OneA Critic is someone who observes theatre and analyzes and comments on itA critics stands between the audience and the theatre eventKnowledgeable and highly sensitive audience member Differs from an ordinary spectator through knowledge and a developed set of standards by which to judge theatre Criteria for Criticism What is the playwright or production attempting to do?How well has it been done?Is it worth doing?A Critic is someone who observes theatre and analyzes and comments on itA critics stands between the audience and the theatre eventKnowledgeable and highly sensitive audience member Differs from an ordinary spectator through knowledge and a developed set of standards by which to judge theatreReview Critics Report on what has occurred at eventPublish in newspapers and magazines or report for televisionOffer opinions of the event Often have limited experience Describe the event in greater detailPublish in magazines and scholarly journalsGo beyond articles to books about playwrights, plays, or theatrical movementsPlace event or playwright in larger contextWrites for a sophisticated audience Dramatic Purpose:To entertainTo probe the human conditionTo provide an escapeTo impart information To put forth an opinion or ideaTo raise a philosophical questions To probe timeless theme To thrill or frighten Types of conflictCharacter vs. Another CharacterCharacter vs. SelfCharacter vs. Forces of NatureCharacter vs. Society Character vs. Supernatural/Technology Juxtaposition of Characters ProtagonistThe leading characterThe chief or outstanding figure in the actionThe one trying to accomplish somethingAntagonistThe character who opposes the protagonistThe one trying to stop the protagonist from achieving his goalAristotle (384-322 B.C.E)- He wrote the Poetics (C. 335 B.C.E) which described six elements of dramao Plot- selection and arrangement of scenes as you see them on stageo Character- Protagonist: Character driving action forward. Antagonist: Gets in way of character trying to do the action.o Thought- “theme”o Language- Pro: Narrative. Verse: Poetryo Music- anything you hear on the stageo Spectacle- anything and everything you see on the stagePrescriptive CriticismArs poetica by HoraceTwo Basic Structures (know the differences)Climactic Plot Construction Episodic Plot ConstructionClimactic (intensive) Plot Construction Episodic (extensive) Plot Construction1. Plot begins late in the story, toward the very end or climax.2. Covers a short space of time, perhaps a few hours or at most a few days.3. Contains a few solid, extended scenes, such as three acts with each act comprising on long scene.4. Occurs in a restricted local, such as one room or one house.5. Number of characters is severely limited-usually no more than six or eight. 6. Plot is linear and moves in a single line with few subplots or counterplots.7. Line of action proceeds in a cause-and-effect chain. The characters and events are closely linked in a sequence of logical, almost inevitable development. 1. Plot begins relatively early in the story and moves through a series of episodes.2. Covers a longer period of time: weeks, months, and sometimes many years3. Has many short, fragmented scenes; sometimes alternates short and long scenes.4. May range over an entire city or even several countries.5. Has a profusion of characters, sometimes several dozen.6. Is frequently marked by several thread of actions, such as two parallel plots, or scenes of comic relief in a serious play.7. Scenes are juxtaposed to one another. An event may result from several causes, or from no apparent cause, but arises in anetwork or web of circumstances. Origins of Theatre Humans have an impulse to create theatre Storytelling Imitation Religious observances RitualsThespis 6th century B.C.E.Steps out of the chorusBecomes the “first” actorTragedyProcess of imitating an action (mimesis)Serious implicationsCompletePossess magnitudeThrough sensuous languageEnacted by persons; not through narration Catharsis comes about through pity and fearTheatre Production in Greece  Amphitheatres Hill side 15,000 to 17,000 spectators  Orchestra At base of the hill Circular playing area Parodos  Behind the playing area In front of the Skene (stage house) Entrance and exit for the actors Theatron  Audience  All characters played by men Actors wore masks Aristotle’s Poetics PlotCharacterThoughtLanguage MusicSpectacle Popular Entertainment in Rome Chariot racing Equestrian performances Acrobatics  Wrestling Prize fighting Gladiatorial combats-to the death Natyasastra (The Study of Theatre) Written by Bharata Muni Describes the origins of theatre  “encyclopedia of theatrical practice”  Nō means talent or exhibition of talent Nō defined by harmony of theatrical elements Dance Music Poetry Setting Costumes  Mask Interaction between performers and audience Emerged from a blend of earlier forms Early