Chapter Overview

English

English

Drama and performance

Your Lesson Progress
 
 
0%

Summary

Download

Drama and performance

In a nutshell

Plays have different features such as acts, scenes, stage directions, characters, drama and performance. This summary will help you understand the elements of modern plays.



Drama

Drama is the presentation of plays which includes and requires acting skills, theatre performance and stagecraft.


Features of plays

Plays are works of fiction and are written to be performed on stage by actors. In addition, plays are written in script format with stage directions and usually include information about the set, lighting, costumes and props. Actors (characters) generally perform main or minor roles and all the actors in the play are collectively referred to as the cast.


A play is divided into acts and scenes. Acts are the broader sections of the play, similar to an episode of a TV series: many things occur but it is part of the whole story. Acts are divided into smaller sections called scenes: these split up events according to the passage of time or a change in location.


Example

Jack enters with a strange walk.

Sally: (despondent) Why did you ever go to battle?!

Jack: (falling to his knees) Please, forgive me. 


Dialogue and monologue

A large part of the play's text is composed of dialogue. The speech of modern plays intends to be natural, informal and realistic. In order to give insight into a character's feelings, play scripts might also feature one or many monologues. Monologues usually contain emotive language and they reveal the character's thoughts.


Note: A monologue is not the same as an aside comment. An 'aside' lets the audience know things that other characters don't. 


Example

'To be, or not to be, that is the question:

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer 

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles

And by opposing end them. To die - to sleep'

William Shakespeare, Hamlet 



Performance

Plays have long been a source of entertainment, thanks in no small part to the elements linked to performance, such as the set, lighting, props, costumes and music. 


Staging

Staging refers to the following elements:

  • The set: the scenery on stage which shows where the action is taking place.
  • Lighting: lights are used to divert the attention of the audience towards a certain place or character on stage.
  • Props: actors may use objects (called props) to perform with more clarity.
  • Music: music and other sound effects can change or give a specific mood to a scene.


Example
The scene starts with an empty forest, almost pitch-black.
This scene is set in a dark forest to create suspense.
The Pharaoh enters holding a torch, attempting to find the treasure.
The character enters on stage with props to illustrate the context of the play.
The volume of the music increases and the lighting becomes brighter.
The Pharaoh: FOUND IT! (the Pharaoh discards the torch, holds the treasure with both hands and lifts it above his head)

Music and lighting amplify the climax of the scene: the Pharaoh finds the treasure he was looking for.


Want to find out more? Check out these other lessons!

How to debate

Performing a play script

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQs

  • Question: What is an aside?

    Answer: An aside comment or 'aside' lets the audience know things that other characters don't.

  • Question: What is the dialogue like in a modern play?

    Answer: The speech of modern plays intends to be natural, informal and realistic. In order to give insight into a character's feelings, play scripts might also feature one or many monologues.

  • Question: What is drama?

    Answer: Drama is the presentation of plays which includes and requires acting skills, theatre performance and stagecraft.

Theory

Exercises

Your data protection

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. By clicking on either "Accept cookies" or "Necessary cookies only", you agree to this (read more in our Privacy Policy). Privacy Policy