LESSONS: THEATRE ARTS

Theatre is a dynamic and collaborative art form that brings stories to life
through live performance. It's a space where human experiences, both real
and imagined, are explored and shared with an audience. Here's a deeper
look:

Defining the Art Form:

 Live Performance:
o At its core, theatre is a live event. It involves performers, usually
actors, who present a story or experience in real-time. This live
aspect creates a unique connection between the performers and
the audience.
 Collaborative Art:
o Theatre is a highly collaborative art form, involving actors,
directors, designers (set, costume, lighting, sound), stage
managers, and many others.
 Storytelling:
o Theatre is fundamentally about storytelling. It uses various
elements to convey narratives, emotions, and ideas.

The Elements of Drama:

Aristotle, in his "Poetics," identified key elements of drama, which are still
relevant today:

 Plot:
o The sequence of events that make up the story.
 Character:
o The individuals who inhabit the story, their motivations, and their
relationships.
 Theme:
o The central idea or message of the play.
 Dialogue:
o The spoken words of the characters.
 Spectacle:
o The visual elements of the production, including set design,
costumes, and lighting.
 Music:
o The auditory elements of the production, including background
music, sound effects, and musical numbers.

The Role of the Audience:

 Active Participation:
 o The audience is not passive. Their presence and reactions
influence the performance.
 Shared Experience:
o Theatre creates a shared experience, where the audience
collectively witnesses and interprets the story.
 Interpretation:
o Each member of the audience will have their own interpretation
of the performance.

Theatre Etiquette and Safety:

 Etiquette:
o Arrive on time.
o Silence cell phones and other electronic devices.
o Avoid talking or making disruptive noises during the
performance.
o Show appreciation for the performers with applause.
o Respect the property of the theatre.
 Safety:
o Be aware of emergency exits.
o Follow instructions from theatre staff.
o In case of an emergency, remain calm and orderly.
o Be aware of your surroundings, especially in dark areas of the
theatre.

Theatre is an art form that has been around for thousands of years, and it
continues to be an important part of our culture.

LESSON: TECHNICAL THEATRE

Technical theatre is the backbone that brings a theatrical production to life.

1. Introduction to Set Design, Lighting, Sound, and Costume:

 Set Design:
o Creating the physical environment of the play.
o Understanding how to use space, color, and texture to convey
mood and atmosphere.
o Basic principles of set construction and scenic painting.
 o Conceptualizing a design that supports the director's vision.
 Lighting:
o Using light to illuminate the stage, create mood, and direct the
audience's attention.
o Understanding the different types of lighting instruments and
their uses.
o Basic principles of lighting design, including color theory and
angle.
o Learning how to read and create a light plot.
 Sound:
o Designing and implementing sound effects, music, and
reinforcement.
o Understanding the basics of sound equipment and software.
o Creating a soundscape that enhances the emotional impact of
the play.
o understanding how to use microphones, and speakers.
 Costume:
o Designing and creating costumes that reflect the characters'
personalities, social status, and historical period.
o Understanding the basics of costume construction, fabric
selection, and fitting.
o Working with actors to ensure that costumes are comfortable
and functional.

2. Basic Stagecraft Skills:

 Stage Safety:
o Understanding and adhering to safety protocols when working
with tools and equipment.
o Knowing how to prevent accidents and injuries.
 Tool Handling:
o Learning how to use basic tools for set construction, lighting, and
sound.
o Developing proficiency in using hand tools and power tools.
 Stage Management:
o Understanding the role of the stage manager in coordinating all
technical aspects of a production.
o Learning how to call cues, manage backstage operations, and
maintain a prompt book.
 Building and Painting:
o Learning set building techniques, and scenic painting techniques.
o Learning how to properly use lumber, and other building
materials.
 Running Crew:
o Learning how to perform duties during the run of a show, like set
changes, or helping with quick costume changes.
3. The Collaborative Nature of Technical Theatre:

 Teamwork:
o Technical theatre is a highly collaborative art form.
o Effective communication and teamwork are essential for a
successful production.
o Working closely with the director, designers, and actors.
 Communication:
o Clear and concise communication is key to avoiding errors and
ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
o Understanding how to give and receive feedback effectively.
 Problem-Solving:
o Technical theatre often involves unexpected challenges.
o The ability to think creatively and solve problems quickly is
essential.
 Shared Vision:
o All technical departments must work together to create a unified
and cohesive design that supports the overall vision of the
production.
o The director is the ultimate leader of the production, and
everyone must work to support the directors vision.

Technical theatre is a vital part of the theatrical process. It is the art of

LESSON: DRAMA (THEORY AND PRACTICE)

. Defining "Drama": Distinguishing Drama from Other Art

 What is Drama?
o At its core, drama is the art of storytelling through performance.
It involves characters, conflict, and action, presented to an
audience.
o It's distinct from other art forms by its reliance on:
 Enactment: Characters are embodied by actors in real
time.
 Dialogue: Spoken words are a primary means of
communication.
  Performance: It's designed to be witnessed by an
audience.
 Collaboration: It is a collaborative art form.
 Distinguishing from Other Art Forms:
o Literature: While drama uses written text, it's meant to be
performed, not just read. Novels and poems rely on internal
experience, while drama emphasizes external action.
o Film/Television: While similar, live theatre offers a unique,
immediate experience. Each performance is different, and the
audience is a direct part of the event.
o Dance: Dance expresses emotion through movement, but
drama adds the element of narrative and dialogue.
o Visual Arts: Painting and sculpture capture moments or ideas,
but drama unfolds over time, creating a dynamic story.

2. Exploring Different Dramatic Genres:

 Tragedy:
o Deals with serious themes, often involving the downfall of a
protagonist due to a tragic flaw or fate.
o Aims to evoke catharsis (emotional release) in the audience.
o Examples: "Hamlet," "Oedipus Rex."
 Comedy:
o Focuses on humor and lighthearted situations.
o Often satirizes social norms or human follies.
o Aims to entertain and provoke laughter.
o Examples: "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "The Importance of
Being Earnest."
 Melodrama:
o Characterized by exaggerated emotions and clear-cut good vs.
evil conflicts.
o Relies on sensational events and dramatic music.
o Aims to evoke strong emotional responses.
o Examples: Many 19th-century plays, some modern soap operas.
 Farce:
o A highly comedic genre that relies on absurd situations, slapstick
humor, and mistaken identities.
o Focuses on fast-paced action and improbable events.
o Examples: "Noises Off," "The Comedy of Errors."

3. Drama as a Form of Social Commentary and Reflection:

 Mirror to Society:
o Drama often reflects the values, beliefs, and conflicts of the
society in which it's created.
 o It can be used to examine social issues, challenge norms, and
provoke thought.
 Social Commentary:
o Playwrights use drama to critique social injustices, political
corruption, or cultural trends.
o It can raise awareness and inspire social change.
 Reflection of Human Experience:
o Drama explores universal themes of love, loss, power, and
identity.
o It allows audiences to connect with the human experience and
gain new perspectives.

4. Analyzing Dramatic Conflict and Tension:

 Dramatic Conflict:
o The clash of opposing forces that drives the plot.
o Can be internal (character vs. self), external (character vs.
character, character vs. society, character vs. nature).
o Essential for creating dramatic interest and engaging the
audience.
 Tension:
o The feeling of anticipation and suspense that builds as the
conflict unfolds.
o Created through dialogue, action, and staging.
o Keeps the audience invested in the outcome of the story.
 Analyzing Conflict and Tension:
o Identifying the central conflicts in a play.
o Examining how the playwright uses dialogue, action, and staging
to build tension.
o Understanding how conflict and tension contribute to the overall
meaning of the play.

ACTIVITY:

Perform a drama and interpretive dance while two or three of your