Theatre Tech
With what role did today’s Stage Manager originate, as far back as the 1700s?
The Prompter (dictated lines and music to actors from the prompter’s box)
What acting theorist gave us the traditional “Method” approach to acting?
Konstantin Stanislavski (aka: Stan the Man)
What is the largest operative theatre on Broadway?
The Gershwin
This collection of essays on dramatic criticism is the "Aristotle’s Poetics" of dramaturgy.
Gotthold Lessing’s “Hamburg Dramaturgy"
What should the ultimate goal be of all artistic and production team members working on a production?
To realize the director’s vision.
This role is arguably THE MOST CRUCIAL member of the artistic team.
Stage Manager
What is “blocking” as it pertains to acting?
Literal physical movements of actors on stage
What is the difference between a Broadway house and an Off-Broadway house?
Broadway houses in the theatre district have over 500 seats. Off-Broadway houses in the theatre district have 100-499 seats.
She was the 1st female historian, also known as one of the very first dramaturgs on record.
Hrosvitha of Gandersheim
What character in John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt ends the play by saying “I have doubts…..such doubts!"
Sister Aloysius
What is the role of the Technical Director?
To build the designs that the scenic designer conceives
What are the two main approaches to acting?
Presentational (artificial, gratuitous) and Representational (conveying true emotion)
Define “authorial intent"
Staying true to the ideas of the author of the original work
(i.e. preserving Gaston Leroux’s original ideas for Phantom of the Opera as it gets transformed into a megamusical for new audiences)
Briefly explain WTPN (Why This Play Now?)
Why THIS play? (This particular play over another)
Why HERE? (In this local, regional, or institutional place)
Why NOW? (At this point in local, regional, global, or societal history)
This ancient term defines the actor’s purpose of “imitating what is real or true."
Mimesis
What are the three original basic design categories?
Scenic, costume, and lighting
Compare/Contrast Objectives and Super-Objectives according to the Stanislavskian acting technique.
Objective (scene-specific immediate goals of the character)
Super-Objective (overarching, large-scale life goals of the character)
What are the TWO main types of dramaturgy?
Production Dramaturgy and New Work Dramaturgy
List THREE basic dramaturgical questions one must ask when approaching any piece of theatre:
Time Period
Location/Region
Character Background
Class Observation
Dialect/Linguistics
Character Conflict/Resolution
What does Richard Wagner’s “Gesamtkunstwerk” concept mean in regard to producing a cohesive piece of theatre?
Total Work of Art
This document is the master copy of the script of a play or musical, used by the stage manager to notate and ultimately call the show with.
The Prompt Book
What should a light or sound board operator do if the stage manager drops a cue?
Nothing. Nobody makes judgement calls except for the stage manager.
What is the newest fully operational Broadway theatre?
The Lyric (built and opened in 1998)
This 18th century dramatist and philosopher is known as the “father” of dramaturgy.
Gotthold Lessing
There must be a shift or movement taking place within the society/culture.