Elements of Drama

Elements of Drama

Lorenz AltarejosAyan Castillano

Rafael MarchadeschBrian Meyer

Drama

Drama is a display of emotions, a representation of relationships and the

portrayal of the different phases of human life. It sketches different

personalities and represents a wide variety of emotions through the different characters it portrays.

There are three types of drama elements

Literary

Technical

Performance

Literary

What is needed to write a script or story?

Character

Characters are the people portrayed by the actors in the play. It is the

characters who move the action, or plot, of the play forward.

Plot

This is what happens in the play. Plot refers to the action; the basic storyline

of the play.

Theme

Refers to the meaning of the play. Theme is the main idea or lesson to be learned

from the play. In some cases, the theme of a play is obvious; other times

it is quite subtle.

Dialogue

This refers to the words written by the playwright and spoken by the

characters in the play. The dialogue helps move the action of the play

along.

Genre

Genre refers to the type of play. Some examples of different genres include,

comedy, tragedy, mystery and historical play

Characterization

A playwright's success ultimately depends on his ability to create a

character that an actor can "bring to life."

Dramatic Structure

Dramatic structure involves the overall framework or method by which the

playwright uses to organize the dramatic material and or action.

Contrast

The use of contrast in drama productions is a useful way to focus the audience's attention. A drama being played with no change of pace or rhythm doesn't

usually hold our interest, but most can be brought to life with the use of

contrasting sights and sounds

Symbol

Dramas are produced to a great extent through the use of symbols - or

representations

Point of view

Who is the narrator of the play? Is it writer himself or the character introduces others in the play?

Script

A script is a written words and directions of a play

Story Organization

The story organization is how a story is told – the beginning, middle, end

Setting

The setting is where the action takes place

Monologue

A long speech made by one person

Conflict

The internal or external struggle between opposing forces, ideas, or interest that

create dramatic tension

Technical Elements

What is needed to produce a play?

Audience

This is the group of people who watch the play. Many playwrights and actors consider the audience to be the most important element of drama, as all of

the effort put in to writing and producing a play is for the enjoyment

of the audience.

Spectacle

This refers to the visual elements of a play: sets, costumes, special effects, etc. Spectacle is everything that the

audience sees as they watch the play.

Props

Props are any article other than costumes or scenery used as part of a

dramatic production.

Sound and Music

Sound is the effect an audience hears during a show.

According to Aristotle Music and sound was referring to the rhythm of the actors' voices as they speak.

Make- Up

Make up is the use of costumes, wigs, body paintings to transform an actor

into a character.

Mood

Mood is the overall atmosphere and feeling of a play. Music, genre and audience are just a few of the sub-

elements of drama that contribute to the mood of a play.

Performance

What should the actors do on stage to make a character come alive?

Acting

Acting Is how speaking and moving help to create characters.

Non Verbal Expression

Non Verbal Expression includes gestures, facial expressions, and movement

Speaking

Speaking is vocal expression, projection, speaking style and diction.