Page 44 - PowerE-L05-F

Lesson 11

Appreciating Theater

There are ways on how to appreciate theater
far more than just following the plot of the play.
Keep your eyes open for the following charac-
teristics and maybe the next time you watch a
play, you may appreciate it even more. Spe-
cific elements in a theater performance should
be assessed to make theater experience more
meaningful. One must go beyond the plot to
analyze the contributing features of the pro-
duction. This will make you appreciate the-
ater more fully. First, assess the staging. Performance area should be well lit so
the audience can follow the actors’ movements. The on-stage area should accom-
modate all the actors in each scene; it should not be cramped or bare. Second, as-
sess the lighting. Both overhead and footer lights should be focused properly and
bright enough but not blinding. Spotlights should be used properly. Third, the actors
must be well versed with their lines, no fumbling should be observed. Speeches
must be delivered realistically, not in a stilted fashion. Actors must be convincing
in the roles they portray. Fourth, costumes should be authentic and appropriate for

the period and should fit the actors. They should be related to the play not vague.
Fifth, the story should follow a routine pace and must be realistic. The audience on
the other hand must be able to follow the plot development and understand what is
going on. The plot must end satisfactorily. Lastly, the director should lead the actors
and the action in a professional manner. Scene breaks must be of right length, not
too long or too short. Overall performance must be coordinated and entertaining.

Comprehension

1. Name some of the good elements of a good theater performance.

2. Who leads the cast of performers in a stage production?

Questions

1. How should actors portray their roles in a play?
2. What are the characteristics of a good plot?

Vocabulary & Expressions

fumble - to act clumsily
plot - the story or sequence of events in a play or movie
cramped - being overcrowded
stilted - unnatural in flow
assess - to examine and evaluate something

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