Dramatic Performances

Drama/Theatre in Many Forms

A performance consists of entertaining an audience by doing something such as acting, dancing, or singing. Drama/theatre is not just theatrical plays. It can take on many other forms, including musicals and dance performances. Let us explore more about these different drama/theatre forms.

Note: Throughout this course, you will see two spellings used to define the dramatic arts: Theater and Theatre. Some sources say that "Theater" refers to the United States spelling, while "Theatre" refers to the British spelling. Other sources say that "Theater" describes a performance venue, while "Theatre" describes the art form of drama. For clarity purposes in this course, we will use "Theater" to describe the venue, and "Theatre" to describe the art form.

Play

A play is a work of drama, usually consisting of dialogue between characters, and is intended for theatrical performance rather than just reading. Plays typically do not include the actors singing or dancing, although a play can include these elements.

Watch this clip from the play Our Town to see a play in action. Notice the dialogue between the characters. What other theatrical elements are added to the performers' dialogue for authenticity? Can you describe how George is feeling towards Emily?

Video: George Gibbs and Emily Webb (clip from Our Town | Nuestro Pueblo)

Dallas Theater Center. (2022, Feb 14). George Gibbs and Emily Webb (clip from Our Town | Nuestro Pueblo). [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/KYaIMbcTecg?si=P2ggY1owpTBjVSw-

Click on the button at the bottom of the video to access the closed captions.

Improvisation

Improvisation, or improv, is a form of theatre or acting that is performed unscripted or unplanned. The performers create dialogue, movement, or action, live and spontaneously, or "on the spot". Performers may ask the audience members for ideas. Improvisation scenes are often comedic or dramatic. Actors play warm-up games to practice their improvisational skills.

Improvisation Warm-up

The objective of this warm-up is to have a person present information, have their partner agree with the information, and add new information to what was stated.

Directions:

Watch the video of this improv warm-up called "Yes, And?"
Once you've watched it through, get with a partner and try the warm-up.
Set a goal to keep the conversation going with your partner for at least 1 minute. Have fun and be creative!

Video: Improvisational Warm Ups: Playing the "Yes, And?" Improv Game

ExpertVillage Leaf Group. (2008, Apr 23). Improvisational Warm Ups: Playing the "Yes, And?" Game. [Video] YouTube. https://youtu.be/Qe2a3ppacUk?si=Jaad2CdEeDFqMPLJ

Click on the button at the bottom of the video to access the closed captions.

Guiding Questions

With your improvisation partner, answer the following questions before moving on:

How did agreeing with everything your partner said make you feel?
Were you creative and silly, or did you decide to be serious?

Click the Next button in the lower right to move forward in the module.