INTRODUCTION
TO
THEATRE
THEATRE
"Theatre" is a professional compellation for a popular genre of Literature, Drama.
It is the most prominent, self-explanatory and realest mode of passing message to
the audience from the first level (script) to the last (production/curtain call).
The real definion of theatre can only be coined from the most popular definition
of Literature; "Literature mirrors life" that is, "theatre mirrors life".
Theatre is used to relay different messages depending on what message the story
intends to disseminate .
COMPONENTS OF THEATRE
A number of things add up to the totality of theatre to mention but a few;
Costuming
Property
Make up
Technical art
Costuming :
Costumes are complimentary theatrical elements with various functions; which
deals with the personification of characters on stage. Costumes are special kind of
clothing's worn by actors on stage in order to aid dramatic actions and
interpretations
Property :
A prop, formally known as theatrical property,is an object used on stage or screen
by actors during a performance or screen production. In practical terms, a prop is
considered to be anything movable or portable on a stage or a set, distinct from
the actors, scenery, costumes, and electrical equipment.
Make-up :
Theatrical makeup is the practice of painting, enhancing, or altering the face, hair,
and body of the actor with cosmetics, plastic materials, and other substances; it is
also the collective term for the materials used in making up.
Technical art:
Technical theatre encompasses all that goes into making a staged production. The
areas of technical theatre are scenery,lighting, properties,costuming,and sound.
All of these areas work together in a production to establish the place, time
period, and mood of the production.
THEATRE TERMS
Projection - This is when you speak with enough clarity and
volume without shouting.
Apron: The part of the stage that stretches beyond the
proscenium arch toward the auditorium.
Orchestra Pit: A sunken area at the front of the stage where
the orchestra performs during the show.
A flat : a flat is a flat piece of theatrical scenery which is painted
and positioned on stage so as to give the appearance of
buildings or other background. Basically an illusion of our daily
environment as it relates to the action taking place in that
scene
360° - This is when you turn around on a spot completely a 360
degree. However 360 turning can only be allowed in certain
situations, but most of the times a 180° is what works.
Preview: Previews are a set of public performances of a
theatrical presentation that precede its official opening.
Action and Reaction: An effort of performing or acting
effectively on stage while working hand in hand and carrying
your co-actors along.
Line delivery: The manner or process by which lines are
delivered.
Mannerism and Charisma : A verbal and habitual behavior
peculiar to an individual,given to an actor to be enacted on
stage according to the character being played.
Cue - A signal for an actor to get prepared to enact his/her
rehearsed role.
Orchestral - A group of people who are focused on singing
together for a production.
Curtain call - A moment at the end of a production when actors
comeback on stage to thank the audiences for applauding them
on their performance.
Blocking - The precise moment and positioning of actors in
order to improve and facilitate their performance and achieve a
desired stage picture.
Back tracking - walking towards your back with your back.
Masking - When you obstruct another actor from the
audience's view.
DESCRIPTION OF STAGE IN THEATRE
In theatre and performing arts, the stage (sometimes referred
to as the deck in stagecraft) is a designated space for
the performance of productions. The stage serves as a space
for actors or performers and a focal point
(the screen in cinema theaters) for the audience. As an
architectural feature, the stage may consist of a platform (often
raised) or series of platforms. In some cases, these may be
temporary or adjustable but in theaters and other buildings
devoted to such productions, the stage is often a permanent
feature.There are several types of stages that vary as to the
usage and the relation of the audience to them.
The most common form found in the West is
the proscenium stage. In this type, the audience is located on
one side of the stage with the remaining sides hidden and used
by the performers and technicians.
Thrust stages may be similar to proscenium stages but with a
platform or performance area that extends into the audience
space so that the audience is located on three sides.
In theatre in the round, the audience is located on all four sides
of the stage. The fourth type of stage incorporates created and
found stages which may be constructed specifically for a
performance or may involve a space that is adapted as a stage.
(You can refer to google to get pictures of what these stages
look like)
The stage itself has been given named areas to facilitate the
precise movement and positioning of actors on a stage.
To an actor facing the audience, "left" and "right" are the
reverse of what they are for the audience. To prevent
confusion, actors and directors never use the unmarked
terms left or right for the sides of the stage. Rather, they use a
phrase specifying the viewpoint. The terms "stage left" and
"stage right", respectively, denote the sides of the stage that
are on the actor's left and right when the actor is facing the
audience, while "house left" and "house right" are the reverse,
denoting the sides of the stage as viewed by the audience.
Less ambiguous terms used in theatres that follow a British
tradition are "Prompt Side" or "P Side" (Stage left) and "Off-
Prompt", "Opposite Prompt" or "O.P. Side" (Stage right),
relating to the traditional location of the Stage Manager.
Likewise, the meaning of "front" and "back" would be unclear
because they depend on perspective. Instead, the term
"upstage" is used to denote the part of the stage furthest from
the audience or to motion away from the audience, while
"downstage" denotes the portion of the stage closest to the
audience or to motion in that direction.
The parts of a stage that are visible to an audience are generally
called the ''proscenium,'' though this term is more broadly
applicable in box set theatres. If audience members can see an
actor, a prop, or a set piece, for instance, then those people
and objects are located in the proscenium.
Stage Rules
-The number one rule of stage is discipline. As a thespian you
must be disciplined.
-Always take your cue before going on stage.
-The audience should not see the casts while taking their cues.
-If you aren't taking your cue you are to join the orchestra.
-Your entry to the stage is your exit while leaving the stage.
-Backtracking isn't allowed while on stage except based on
specific instructions
-Your movement should be in 180°
-There should not be firing squad on stage ( you must not stand
on a single line)
-At no point must there be an empty stage. Actions must
always occur after each scene.
-You must speak loudly to enable the audience to listen to your
lines, hence projection.
- Don't block (mask) other actors on stage with your body or
props objects.
- Over acting and under acting isn't allowed on stage.
-Conversations on stage should be give and take, that is make
sure the other person lands before you pick up. Talking
together isn't allowed (exemptions in some cases).
- Cast members should engage in stage business to keep them
in character.
- Don't fall out of character at anytime on stage. Remain in the
character till the end of the performance.
- Always concentrate when on stage. This would help in
rendering your lines and would make your acting perfect.
REHEARSAL RULES
1. Always come for rehearsals in your rehearsals kits (that is;
joggers and a free top)
2. On no account should you come to rehearsals in Jean or
fashion wears.
3. On no account should you be LATE for rehearsals.
4. Phones are to be switched off or silenced during rehearsals.
5. In very rare cases, as sickness, that will make you absent
from rehearsals, you must make sure to take permission from
your SM else you loose marks.
6. You are not allowed to come on makeups or jewelry for
rehearsals.
7. On no grounds should you disrespect your instructors.
8. Remember ‘Obey before complaining’
9. You cannot not do anything, you have to be functional in a
particular theater department.
10. Remember, whatever you are asked to do it is for your own
good and knowledge.
NOTE FROM CREW MEMBERS
We honestly wish you well, we will have fun moments and fight
moments too but at the end of the day it will all be profitable.
We wish you
