Theatre-101 Final Exam Study Guide (Part 1)

Tartuffe is a play written by Moliere. Moliere was a French playwright and actor who is considered one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature. He wrote Tartuffe in 1664, and it is one of his most famous works. The play satirizes religious hypocrisy and portrays the character of Tartuffe as a deceitful and manipulative figure. Moliere's works are known for their wit, social commentary, and comedic elements, making him a prominent figure in French literature.

The producer's responsibilities include finding the financial resources for a production, securing the location for a production, and hiring the director for a production. This means that the producer is responsible for not only the financial aspects of the production but also the logistical aspects such as finding a suitable location and hiring the director who will oversee the creative aspects of the production. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

Arthur Miller is the author of Death of a Salesman. He wrote this play, which was first performed in 1949. Death of a Salesman is considered one of Miller's most famous works and is a classic of American theater. It tells the story of Willy Loman, a traveling salesman who struggles with his own identity and the American Dream. Miller's play explores themes of disillusionment, the pursuit of success, and the impact of societal expectations on individuals.

The correct answer is "symbol". In the play "The Glass Menagerie", Laura's glass unicorn serves as a symbol. It represents something that is different, just like Laura herself, and highlights the fragility of her emotions and feelings, which are also compared to glass. Symbols are often used in literature to convey deeper meanings and add layers of complexity to the story.

During the Roman period, plays also took place outdoors, similar to the Greek period. The performance spaces were often built into hill sides, providing a natural amphitheater-like setting. Additionally, there was a building behind the stage specifically used for storing scenery, props, and other theatrical equipment. This setup allowed for the creation of more elaborate and visually appealing performances.

The correct answer is Tennessee Williams. Tennessee Williams is the playwright who wrote The Glass Menagerie. He is known for his contributions to American theater and his works often explore themes of family dynamics, memory, and the human condition. The Glass Menagerie is one of his most famous plays, which tells the story of a family struggling with their own dreams and desires in 1930s St. Louis. Williams' unique writing style and vivid characters have made The Glass Menagerie a classic in American literature.

During the time of Aristotle, a play that demonstrated universal importance, a protagonist of high stature and opportunity for the audience to experience a catharsis was called a tragedy. This genre of play typically involved a noble protagonist who faced a downfall due to a tragic flaw or external circumstances. The purpose of a tragedy was to evoke emotions of pity and fear in the audience, allowing them to experience a catharsis or emotional release.

The correct answer is Shakespeare because he is widely known as the author of the play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Shakespeare is a renowned playwright and poet from the Elizabethan era, and his works are celebrated for their literary excellence and enduring popularity. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is one of his most famous comedies, characterized by its whimsical plot, fantastical elements, and witty dialogue.

Henrik Ibsen is the correct answer because he is the author of the play "A Doll's House." He wrote this play in 1879 and it is considered one of his most famous works. "A Doll's House" explores themes of gender roles, marriage, and societal expectations. Ibsen's play was groundbreaking at the time it was written, as it challenged traditional norms and sparked discussions about women's rights and individuality.

During the time of Shakespeare, there were thirteen public theatres producing plays in London. This is because Shakespeare was a renowned playwright and actor during the Elizabethan era, which was a period of great theatrical activity in England. His plays were highly popular and were performed in various theatres, such as the Globe Theatre and the Blackfriars Theatre. These theatres attracted large audiences and contributed to the vibrant theatre scene in London during Shakespeare's time.

When improvising a scene with a partner, it is important to accept whatever information is given because this helps to build trust and create a cohesive storyline. By accepting the information, you are showing respect for your partner's contribution and allowing the scene to progress naturally. Additionally, trying to add to the given information helps to further develop the scene and keep the momentum going. This allows for a more dynamic and engaging performance. Therefore, the correct answer is A and B.

August Wilson is the correct answer because he is the playwright who wrote the play "Fences". His full name is August Wilson, and he is known for his work in portraying the African-American experience in the 20th century. "Fences" is one of his most famous plays, which explores themes of family, race, and the American Dream. Wilson's writing style and powerful storytelling have made him a prominent figure in American theater.

During the Medieval period, theater was performed in the streets of the town. Local labor unions would prepare pageant wagons that depicted the story of Christ. This form of theater was known as medieval pageantry or mystery plays, and it was a popular form of entertainment during that time. The pageant wagons would travel from one location to another, allowing different communities to witness the performances. These plays were often religious in nature and served as a way to educate and entertain the audience about biblical stories and teachings.

The correct answer is "Authentic evidence to tell about historical events." A documentary is a non-fictional film or television program that aims to provide factual information about real-life events, people, or issues. It uses authentic evidence such as interviews, archival footage, photographs, and documents to present an accurate account of historical events. Unlike other forms of entertainment, documentaries prioritize presenting the truth and educating the audience rather than using inaccurate information or fictional elements to create interest.

The Universal theme found in Death of a Salesman is the American dream. This play by Arthur Miller explores the concept of the American dream and its impact on individuals. The protagonist, Willy Loman, is a salesman who believes in the idealized version of success and happiness promised by the American dream. However, as the play unfolds, it becomes clear that this dream is unattainable for Willy and many others, leading to disillusionment, despair, and ultimately, death. The American dream is a central theme in the play, highlighting the harsh realities and failures that can result from pursuing this elusive dream.

The correct answer is plot, character, theme, diction, music, spectacle. These are the components that Aristotle identified as essential elements of a play. Plot refers to the sequence of events, character refers to the individuals in the story, theme refers to the underlying message or moral, diction refers to the choice of words and language used, music refers to any musical elements in the play, and spectacle refers to the visual aspects and special effects. These components work together to create a cohesive and engaging theatrical experience.

The primary job of an actor is to interpret the character. This involves understanding the character's motivations, emotions, and personality traits, and bringing them to life through their performance. While learning lines and following the director's instructions are important tasks for an actor, they are ultimately means to the end of accurately portraying the character. Looking good in the costume is also important for creating a visually appealing performance, but it is not the primary job of an actor.

Stage directions are always given from the director's point of view.

Floor plans are always drawn from the aerial point of view because an aerial perspective provides a comprehensive and accurate depiction of the entire layout of a building or space. This viewpoint allows for a clear understanding of the spatial arrangement, dimensions, and relationships between different rooms or areas within the floor plan. By looking down from above, one can easily visualize the overall structure and design of the space, including walls, doors, windows, and other architectural elements. This perspective is essential for architects, designers, and builders to effectively plan and communicate their ideas for construction or renovation projects.

Actors take a bow at the end of the performance to both acknowledge and appreciate the audience's positive response to their performance, as well as to express gratitude towards the audience for their support and presence.

The correct answer is "Characters in action in an imagined situation." This definition accurately describes a play as it involves characters engaging in actions within a fictional or imagined scenario. It encompasses the essential elements of a play, including the presence of characters and their involvement in a narrative or situation that is not real but created for the purpose of the play.

Blocking refers to the planned and coordinated movement of actors on stage. It involves the positioning and choreography of actors to ensure that their movements are purposeful and contribute to the overall storytelling. Blocking helps to enhance the visual composition of a scene, guide the audience's focus, and ensure that actors are in the right place at the right time. It is an essential aspect of stage direction and is crucial for creating a cohesive and visually engaging performance.

Willy Loman was the protagonist in Death of a Salesman because he was an example of the "everyman" and he alone was the center of attention and drove the progress of the play forward.

The correct answer is "informal, press, formal dramatic." In dramatic criticism, there are three types: informal criticism, which is a casual and personal analysis of a performance; press criticism, which refers to reviews and critiques published in newspapers or magazines; and formal dramatic criticism, which involves a more scholarly and in-depth examination of the play's elements and themes.

Constantine Stanislavsky is known for developing the method of acting, also known as the Stanislavsky System. This technique emphasizes the internal aspects of a character, focusing on the actor's emotional and psychological connection to the role. It encourages actors to delve deep into their own experiences and emotions to create a genuine and authentic portrayal. Therefore, the correct answer is "internal," as Stanislavsky's style of acting emphasizes the inner workings of the character rather than external techniques or physicality.