Elements of Theatre

Discover the 6 key elements of theatre like Plot, Character, and Spectacle. Learn what makes a great play!

Write your full name: There are 6 elements of theater: 1. PLOT- How the action unfolds. Think about our plot structure- Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution. The plot is composed of “clearly defined problems for characters to solve.” 2. CHARACTER- The people who make up the plot. Characters provide the motivations (reasons) for the events of the plot. Characters face and overcome obstacles that the audience can recognize. Characters provide the vehicle for conflict.3. THEME- The reason the playwright wrote the play. The message the author is trying to send using the characters and plot.4. DICTION (Word Choice)- The language of the play. Because the entire play is written in a script, or what the characters say, the language choice must be vivid and full of imagery. It helps to move the plot forward.5. RHYTHM- The heart of the play. Rhythm, in this case, means how the actors speak their lines. Plot, character, language, spectacle all have their individual rhythms in time. The combination of all these rhythms creates the impelling force of the play leading to a final climax. Think of Rhythm in theatre as slightly different than rhythm in poetry.6. SPECTACLE- Everything that is seen or heard on stage. The visual elements of a play. Actors, sets, costumes, lights, and sound. NOTE: All plays have spectacle—some emphasize spectacle more than others. Spectacle is the most important piece of theatre! Without spectacle, there is no performance! Plot Map Draw and label the plot map that we use in ELA. If you are having trouble, review the plot definition above and google "plot map." Character vs. Actor When we speak about the element of character, we mean the actual character, NOT who plays the character. Sort the names below into either category. If the name is a CHARACTER put it in the character section. If the name is an ACTOR put it in the actor section. Character Batman Atticus Finch Yoda Elsa Boxer Wonder Woman Mulan Actor Tom Hanks Meryl Streep Samuel L. Jackson Ryan Reynolds Viola Davis Michelle Rodriguez Diction is incredibly important to getting our ideas across. Use the BEST word to fill in the blank. I am so _ to go to Disney World next month! Happy Content Ecstatic Diction is incredibly important to getting our ideas across. Use the BEST word to fill in the blank. When I failed the quiz I was _, but I know that I will do better next time. disapointed fine sad Diction is incredibly important to getting our ideas across. Use the BEST word to fill in the blank. In Refugee, Mahmoud wants to remain _ at the beginning of the book. unseen invisible hidden Importance of Rhythm Record yourself reading a few lines using the rhythm you think it should have to make the point you want to make. If you would like to make up your own sentences you may, or you can use the ones below. (If you are confused, listen to my recorded instructions so that you can hear how I read the instructions. I paused at punctuation and emphasized specific words to make what I was saying was clear.)"How could you do this to me? You knew that I would get hurt. How am I supposed to forgive you for this? In fact, I will never forgive you. Not ever." Spectacle Spectacle After watching the video above, identify AT LEAST three different pieces of spectacle that you see. Think about costumes, the set, the lighting, dancing etc. Be specific. For example: The pinkish coat that Thomas Jefferson wears. Review Match the element to the correct definition. Plot How the action unfolds. Think about our plot structure- Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution. The plot is composed of “clearly defined problems for characters to solve.” Character The people who make up the plot. Characters provide the motivations (reasons) for the events of the plot. Characters face and overcome obstacles that the audience can recognize. Characters provide the vehicle for conflict. Theme The reason the playwright wrote the play. The message the author is trying to send using the characters and plot. Diction The language of the play. Because the entire play is written in a script, or what the characters say, the language choice must be vivid and full of imagery. It helps to move the plot forward. Rhythm How the actors speak their lines. Spectacle Everything that is seen or heard on stage. The visual elements of a play. Actors, sets, costumes, lights, and sound. The most important piece of theatre! Without this, there is no performance!