Elements
of Drama
of Drama
List four elements of drama.
Character, role, relationships, tension, focus, space, time, symbol, mood, atmosphere, voice, movement.
What are physical and psychological approaches?
Physical approaches develop character through movement and external action; psychological approaches use emotion and memory to inform performance.
Name two principles of design
Balance, contrast, emphasis, repetition, scale/proportion.
What are the three types of context defined in the syllabus?
Historical, social, and cultural context.
Define motivation.
The reason or driving force behind a character’s actions or speech.
What is meant by subtext?
The underlying meaning revealing a character’s true feelings and motivations beneath spoken words.
What is blocking?
The positioning and movement of actors in rehearsal and performance.
What are the elements of design?
Components such as line, shape, texture, colour (for costume, set, lighting) and direction, duration, tone, volume (for sound).
What is form?
The way a text is written—classified broadly as Realism or Non-realism.
What is status in drama?
The hierarchy of characters that influences relationships and interactions on stage.
Give one example of how tension can be created in a scene.
Answer such as: Through pauses in dialogue, conflicting objectives, or delayed revelation of key information.
Describe how a director’s vision influences blocking decisions.
Answer such as: The director’s concept determines spatial relationships, focus, and visual rhythm on stage.
Give one example of how contrast can be used in lighting design.
Answer could include: Shifting from warm to cold colour to indicate emotional change or conflict.
Provide one example of a Non-realistic form.
Epic Theatre, Absurdism, Commedia dell’Arte, or Greek Theatre.
How can given circumstances shape an actor’s performance choices?
Knowledge of time period, location, and social environment informs accent, physicality, and emotional tone.
How do mood and atmosphere differ in performance?
Mood is the emotional state intended by the text or creative team; atmosphere is the overall impact felt by the audience.
Why are drama conventions essential to style?
They provide recognisable techniques and patterns that distinguish forms like Realism or Epic Theatre, shaping audience expectations.
How does the choice of a thrust stage space affect performer–audience interaction in comparison to an end stage?
A thrust stage invites intimacy from three sides, while an end stage reinforces a framed, controlled viewpoint.
How does style differ from form?
Style refers to how drama is performed (representational vs. presentational), while form concerns the structure and conventions of the text.
How does understanding theme guide the creative team’s decisions?
Theme clarifies the central idea, influencing design symbolism, pacing, and emphasis of performance moments.
Explain how manipulating focus and space together can enhance dramatic meaning.
Answer could include: Directing focus within a defined space guides audience attention and shapes interpretation—for instance, isolating a performer in light can symbolise vulnerability.
Outline the Form and Style of When the Rain Stops Falling. Provide 3 examples of this in the text.
Miss Perrott to determine the correct answer.
As a director you are putting on a production of God of Carnage in a site specific space - what location do you choose and why? Provide a link to the script.
Miss Perrott to determine the answer.
Why is understanding context important when interpreting a text for performance?
It ensures authenticity, informs design and character motivation, and helps the production communicate meaning relevant to both its original and contemporary audiences.
Explain how awareness of transitions enhances audience engagement.
Controlling and planning for fluid scene changes helps maintain narrative clarity and emotional momentum.