Drama

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Modern Comedies

In modern comedies, the genders in this romantic plot pattern sometimes are reversed.

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Modern Drama

A modern play

usually is about ordinary people

may be tragedy, comedy, or a mixture of the two

usually focuses on personal issues

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Modern playwrights often experiment with unconventional plot structures.

Modern Drama

long flashbacks

music

visual projections of a character’s private thoughts

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Performance of a Play

When you read a play, remember that it is meant to be performed for an audience.

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Performance of a Play

Theater artists include

Actors

Directors

Lighting technicians

Stage crew

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Setting the Stage

Stages can have many different sizes and layouts.

“Thrust” stage

The stage extends into the viewing area.

The audience surrounds the stage on three sides.

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“In the round” stage is surrounded by an audience on all sides.

Setting the Stage

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Proscenium stage

Setting the Stage

The playing area extends behind an opening called a “proscenium arch.”

The audience sits on one side looking into the action.

upstage

downstage

stage left

stage right

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Setting the Stage

Stages in Shakespeare’s time were thrust stages.

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Scene design transforms a bare stage into the world of the play. Scene design consists of

props

sets

costumes

lighting

Setting the Stage

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A stage’s set might be

realistic and detailed

Setting the Stage

abstract and minimal

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A lighting director skillfully uses light to change the mood and appearance of the set.

Setting the Stage

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The costume director works with the director to design the actors’ costumes.

Like sets, costumes can be