Drama Unit Learning Targets I can analyze the development of a theme over the course of a text. I can analyze how particular elements of a drama interact. I can analyze how a drama s form or structure contributes to its meaning. I can compare and contrast a written drama to its audio, filmed, or staged version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium. I can determine the meanings of words & phrases used in a text. 1
The Elements of Drama
Dramatic Mediums Drama can be presented in 4 different methods. These are called MEDIUMS. Each MEDIUM has different dramatic TECHNIQUES associated with it (which we will discuss later). Audio (verbal presentation only, such as Radio Plays) Written (reading the actual script without performing it) Stage (plays that are performed live) Film (movies, TV, etc.) 3
Who s Who? A.Playwright-the author of a play B. Screenwriter- the author of a TV or movie script C. Actors-the people who perform the play or script
Characteristics of Drama
Parts of a Drama A.Acts-the units of action that make up the entire play B.Scenes-parts of the acts
Literary Elements A.Character: a person portrayed in a drama, novel, or other artistic piece. B.Exposition is the who, when, where and what part of the play. C.Conflict: the internal or external struggle between opposing forces, ideas, or interests that creates dramatic tension. D.Suspense: a feeling of uncertainty as to the outcome, used to build interest and excitement on the part of the audience. E.Theme: the life lesson learned from the dramatic text 7
Dramatic Structure Like the plot of a story, the plot of a play involves characters who face a problem or conflict. Rising Action tension increases action increases Climax point of highest tension; action determines how the conflict will be resolved Falling Action tension decreases action decreases Exposition characters and are introduced Resolution conflict is resolved; play ends
Stage Directions Instructions found in italics and parentheses() for the actors, the director, and stage crew
Function of Stage Directions a. To describe how characters speak and behave b. To describe scenery and props
Scenery Construction on the stage that creates setting 11
Function of Scenery Allows the author to create a sense of the setting (time and place) for the audience. 12
Props Small movable items that the actors use
Function of Props to make character s actions look real; contributes to setting
Dramatic Speech A.Dialogue-conversation between or among characters B.Monologue-long speech by one single character (private thoughts)
Function of Dialogue & Monologues Brings characters to life by revealing their personalities and by showing what they are thinking and feeling as they react to other characters. The Incredibles This clip from the movie The Incredibles features a monologue delivered by the villain, Syndrome. Listen as he reveals his motivations for his evil actions. FYI-- many times writers use monologues toward the end of the movie to give a villain the opportunity to discuss his/her evil plans. Finding Nemo This dialogue from the movie Finding Nemo reveals a lot about the personalities of Nemo and his dad, and also revealas a lot about their relationship. 16
Two Types of Dramatic Elements 1. Performance Elements: the way that actors present characters and make them believable to the audience 2. Technical Elements: the special effects added to a drama to... *create a mood for the audience *to reveal special information about characters *to make action and storylines believable *to create a sense of setting. 17
Performance Elements Verbal expression: Breath control: controlling breath during speaking by breathing at appropriate punctuation marks (comma, period, etc.). Vocal expression: how an actor uses his or her voice to convey character Inflection: change in pitch or tone of the voice. Projection: how well the voice carries to the audience Diction: selection and pronunciation of words; clarity of speech. 18
Performance Elements Nonverbal expression: Gestures any movement of the actor s head, shoulder, arm, hand, leg, or foot to convey meaning Facial expression physical and vocal aspects used by an actor to convey mood, feeling, or personality Movement stage blocking or the movements of the actors onstage during performance The Artist Watch this clip from 2011 s The Artist, which won the Academy Award for Best Film. This is a silent film, so nonverbal expression is EXTREMELY important. In this scene, George and his wife are having breakfast. She sees a picture in the newspaper where George has been photographed with another woman (an up and coming actress). As you watch, pay attention to the actors nonverbal expression. What can you infer about the characters feelings toward one another? 19
Sound Effects (various sounds associated with the setting, characters actions, etc. to make actions realistic) Costumes (clothes and accessories worn by actors to convey characters personalities and to convey setting) Props (make actions realistic; contribute to setting) Lighting (shadows, colored lights, bright lights, etc. can create moods, indicate setting, and describe characters) Camera Angles (close-ups versus wide shots versus mid-shots) Music (used to enhance and create moods for viewers) Film Editing (the way scenes are presented on film) *abrupt and fast transitions between scenes can create suspense or anxiety *slow transitions can be calming Technical Elements: *sometimes multiple scenes may be shown simultaneously Toy Story Notice how this clip from Toy Story uses close-ups, wide shots, camera angles from Woody s perspective, and camera angles from Sid s perspective. This builds suspense and helps you 20 as a viewer understand the story from multiple points-of-view.
Medium Techniques Below are the 4 methods of presenting drama we discussed earlier. Each dramatic MEDIUM has different dramatic TECHNIQUES associated with it. Audio performance elements: actors verbal expression technical elements: presence or absence of sound effects and music Written stage directions (to indicate the performance and technical elements that should be used) Stage performance elements: actors verbal and non-verbal expression technical elements: sound effects, music, props, costumes, and lighting Film performance elements: actors verbal and non-verbal expression technical elements: sound effects, music, props, costumes, camera angles, scene transitions, scene selections, and lighting 21