Theatre History
Why were amphitheater style theaters the go-to style in Ancient Greece
Greece's naturally hilly landscape
What is the downstage edge of the stage called?
The Apron
What does the word "strike" mean in the context of theatre?
To take something that is onstage and move it offstage.
What does it mean to "spike" a piece of furniture?
To put spike or gaff tape down so the run crew knows where exactly to place the piece of furniture for each performance.
What kind of pet does Mr. Dunaway have?
Old Cat
During what period of English history did William Shakespeare live?
Elizabethan (late 1500s to early 1600s)
How many "traveler" curtains are there in this auditorium?
3
What does the phrase "Break a Leg" mean in theatre?
Good luck
Describe the process of sewing on a button
Thread needle
knot thread
Sew 2 stitches to make a "bed" for the button
Place button over the bed, sew up through one button hole and down through another
Wrap excess thread around the stitches underneath the button until secur.
Knot and cut thread
What country other than the U.S. has Mr. Dunaway lived in?
Ireland
What were the first two genres?
Tragedy and Comedy
What is a Ghost Light?
A light or lamp that is kept on overnight when the stage is otherwise dark. Superstition says we should leave at least one light on for the ghost(s) who inhabit the theatre, so they can perform in the night.
What is the purpose of the Green Room?
A backstage area where actors can get into makeup, practice lines, and hang out while not on stage.
What are the catwalks used for?
Mounting stage lights, microphones, and sometimes scenery for productions.
How old is Mr. Dunaway?
31
Who was Dionysus?
The Greek God of theatre, wine, and partying.
What is the seating capacity of this auditorium?
Approx. 600
What is the white curtain far upstage called?
The Cyc
Describe each step in order to raise a Band Shell
Lower bottom flap
Switch red knob to "Raise Canopy"
Lift canopy
Use pole to raise canopy until it clicks
Rotate handle to raise canopy
Lower shell to lock in place
What year did Mr. Dunaway graduate high school?
2011
Which direction is "upstage" and which is "downstage" and where did those terms come from?
Upstage is toward the back of the performing area away from the audience, downstage is toward the front, closer to the audience. We get these terms from Medieval drama, in which the stage was built at an angle sloping down toward the audience.
What are the 6 unique spaces of this auditorium?
Light Booth
House
Stage
Green Room
Shop/Prop Room
Catwalks
What is a Properties Master?
The person on a crew in charge of all the props in a show.
What is a Grim Box? Name 3 things inside of it.
What is Mr. Dunaway's favorite aspect of theatre?
Playwriting
Who was Thespis?
The first actor
What is a "leg" in theatre?
A smaller curtain that is moved manually by walking it where you want it to go.
What does a Stage Manager do?
SM is in charge of the cast and crew, running rehearsals, assisting the director, communicating with everyone, calling cues during performances.
What is the full name of this auditorium?
H. Eugene Southwell Auditorium
What is Mr. Dunaway's favorite drink?
Tea
What 3 genres did Shakespeare write?
Comedy, Tragedy, History
What is an audition? Describe the audition process.
A try-out for a play. An actor who wants to be in a production performs something in hopes of being hired/cast.
What are the "wings?"
The space offstage on either side of the playing area. Also another name for the "leg" curtains, which are operated by pull rings.
What country is the musical Come From Away set in?
Newfoundland
Name 4 members of CCHS staff who were teaching/working when Mr. Dunaway was in high school.
Mr. C-D
Mr. Lowenbach
Mrs. Crofcheck
Mr. Kessi
Mr. Huffman