1. Language and Voice
Language and voice are dependent of situation, role and purpose.
Language is what we say or write.

Voice is how we communicate verbally.

Voice: Voice is given meaning and expression through the use of:

• Volume
• Pace
• Pitch
• Intonation
• Tone
• Accent
• Emphasis
• Pause
• Fluency
• Clarity
• Register
• Articulation

2. Movement

Movement: express ideas, emotions, symbols and relationships. Used as an aid to characterisation, or stylised, expressing abstract ideas, as in dance/drama, mime, mask and dance.

Naturalistic movement, as in characterisation, involves:

• Use of space
• Facial expressions
• Gesture
• Body-language
• Posture

Stylised movement as in expressing abstract ideas involves:

• Positioning
• Stance
• Balance
• Timing
• Rhythm
• Use of space
• Use of levels
• Use of direction
• Speed

Mime

Mime is a stylised form of movement which creates an illusion of reality.

3. Characterisation

Characterisation is the investigation and portrayal in depth of a specific role.

Consideration for the following is expected:

• Social, economic and cultural background of the character
• Relationship with other characters in the drama
• Portrayal of character in terms of language and movement

4. Purpose of the play

The purpose is to communicate a meaning.

A presentation can be used for the following purposes (use one or many):

• Explore and experience
• Entertain
• Educate
• Explore a theme or issue
• Tell a story
• Communicate a message

The purpose of a character within a drama is essentially looking at what the character brings to the drama. Why did you create that character in your drama? Was it to create tension, provide a comical element to your drama etc.

5. Form and Structure

Form is the overall style of the presentation. That is:

• Rehearsed improvisation
• Scripted presentation
• Documentary
• Mime
• Dance/drama
• Musical
• Radio play
• Puppet show
• Soap opera
• Chat show
• Monologue
• Movement

Structure is the way in which time, place and action are sequenced (order of things, what do you start with, middle, and the ending).

Conventions are the alternative ways of presenting all or part(s) of a presentation.

• Slow motion
• Tableaux
• Freeze frame
• Soliloquy
• Flashback
• Narration
• Voice over
• Mime
• Movement
• Monologue

6. Mood, Atmosphere and Tension

Mood and Atmosphere: concern the feelings and emotions aroused by the drama, so that the audience responds to what is being seen and heard.

Tension: is the driving force of the drama.  It causes the audience to want to know what happens next, keeps interest and momentum.

There is a link between dramatic tension and mood and atmosphere.

Tension can be treated through:

• Audience not having information before drama (dramatic irony)
• Conflict and confrontation (sorted by problem-solving)
• Tasks which the characters perform
• Relationships
• Shock or surprise
• Mystery
• Threat of pressure from an outside agency.

Acting technique can be used to heighten tension and create mood and atmosphere through:

• Pace
• Moves
• Timing
• Silence
• Contrast
• Posturing
• Eye contact
• Physical contact
• Positioning

Theatre Arts can be used to heighten tension and create mood and atmosphere through:

• Sound (including speech, SFX and music)
• Use of space (set, setting, grouping)
• Lighting
• Use of props/costume
• Make-up (including masks)

7. Theatre Arts

Name for lighting, costume, sound, props, make-up and set-design.

8. Directing

Interpret the script and show it by helping the actors and stage management.

• Interpret the script
• Casting
• Blocking
• Rehearsal process

Communicating/liaising with the actors and design team.

Return to the top of the page