Core Knowledge
What is exposition?
Background information that sets the scene.
Why is exposition important to a story?
It provides context so the audience understands the plot.
A group freezes to show an emotion like fear. What technique is this?
Tableau
What is the role of the producer?
Secures funding, rights, and hires the core team.
What stage has the audience only in front?
Proscenium
Where is Broadway located?
New York City (41st-54th Streets, 6th-8th Avenues)
Why is collaboration essential in theatre?
Many roles must work together to create a production
How does hierarchy improve communication?
It creates clear lines of responsibility
What is the climax?
The moment of greatest tension in a story.
Why must actors understand stage directions?
To move correctly and maintain clear blocking.
An actor keeps turning their back to part of the audience in the round. What is the issue?
Poor audience awareness/blocking
What does a lighting designer do?
Creates lighting for mood and focus.
What stage has audience on two sides?
Traverse
What is Off-Broadway?
Theatres with 99–499 seats
What is a monologue?
A speech performed by one actor
Why should actors not go directly to designers with problems?
It breaks the chain of communication
Why is theatre considered a collaborative art?
It requires many roles working together
What is a proscenium stage?
A stage with the audience on one side.
Why is slating important before a performance?
It shows professionalism and clearly introduces the piece.
How does Freytag’s Pyramid help actors?
It helps them understand pacing and emotional arc.
What is the job of a props master?
Finds or creates props used in the show.
What stage surrounds the actors completely?
Arena (theatre in the round)
What is Off-Off Broadway?
Theatres with fewer than 100 seats
What is dialogue?
A conversation between two or more characters
What happens if hierarchy is ignored?
Confusion and production problems
How does theatre size affect performance?
Larger spaces require bigger, clearer acting choices
What does “DS” mean?
Downstage
Why is character analysis important for actors?
It helps create believable and detailed performances.
How do Uta Hagen’s questions improve acting?
They deepen character understanding and realism.
What does a costume designer do?
Designs clothing and accessories for characters.
What is a flexible stage environment called?
Black box
What is a regional theatre?
A professional theatre outside NYC
What is a contentless scene?
A scene with no preset context or character details
Why is organization important in a production?
It keeps the process efficient and clear
Compare the roles of director and producer
Director = artistic vision; Producer = business/financial
What is an arena stage?
A stage with the audience on all sides.
Why are Uta Hagen’s questions important?
They help actors deeply understand their character.
A story begins by introducing the setting and characters. What part is this?
Exposition
What is the main job of an actor?
To perform the role and bring the character to life.
What is a performance in a nontraditional space called?
Environmental theatre
What is community theatre?
Non-professional, often volunteer-based theatre
Why are contentless scenes used?
To develop creativity and acting choices
What is Actor’s Equity Association?
The union for professional actors and stage managers
What is the biggest risk in a production without structure?
Miscommunication and failure to coordinate