Intro To Theatre Midterm

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Thames
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1. What is a character?

Explanation

A character refers to fictional personalities created by playwrights and portrayed by actors in various forms of media such as literature, plays, films, and television shows.

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About This Quiz
Intro To Theatre Midterm - Quiz

Flash cards to study for my Intro to Theatre midterm.

2. What does 'deus ex machina' literally mean?

Explanation

Deus ex machina refers to a contrived or overly convenient ending in literature, not divine intervention or plot twists.

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3. What is a script?

Explanation

In the context of performance arts, a script refers to the written text of a play, movie, or other performance that actors follow during the live performance.

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4. What term describes the phenomenon of a group of individuals conforming to a consensus without critically evaluating the situation?

Explanation

Group think is a mode of thinking that occurs when the desire for harmony in a decision-making group overrides a realistic appraisal of alternatives. It can lead to flawed decisions as individuals prioritize consensus and conformity over critical evaluation.

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5. What tradition involves audience members joining performers for food after the show?

Explanation

Bread and Puppet is a performance art group known for their tradition of serving bread and inviting the audience to join them for a meal after the show, fostering a sense of community and connection between performers and spectators.

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6. What is the significance of the Butchers in the play?

Explanation

The Butchers in the play 'Naturalism' have a specific meaning assigned by the director, Andre Antoine, who chose to include real beef carcasses onstage. This choice aligns with the style of Naturalism, aimed at portraying life as it is without idealization or romanticism.

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7. What is unique about the musical 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' by Rupert Holmes?

Explanation

The Mystery of Edwin Drood is known for its interactive and engaging format, where the audience actively participates in determining the course of the storyline and character dynamics.

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8. In the 1968 performance Paradise Now, what unique invitation did the audience receive from the actors?

Explanation

Paradise Now was a controversial performance art piece in 1968 where the audience was encouraged to shed their clothes and join the actors onstage, marking a boundary-breaking moment in the history of experimental theater.

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9. Which American theatre company was acclaimed in the 1960s and frequently asked to perform overseas?

Explanation

The Living Theatre was a prominent American company in the 1960s known for their innovative productions and frequent performances overseas due to high interest in their work.

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10. What does the term 'costume' refer to?

Explanation

A costume refers to clothing that is suitable for a specific event or occasion, not to fruits, musical instruments, or software.

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11. What is meant by the term 'collective mind'?

Explanation

The correct answer highlights how individuals within a crowd may act differently as part of a collective entity, showcasing societal behavior and group dynamics.

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12. What is the definition of suspension of disbelief?

Explanation

Suspension of disbelief refers to the audience's willingness to accept the unrealistic or impossible aspects of a narrative for the sake of enjoyment. It involves temporarily setting aside one's doubts or skepticism to fully engage with the story being presented.

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13. What is Broadway known for?

Explanation

Broadway is a term commonly used to refer to the theatrical performances presented in the 41 professional theaters located in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. It is known for hosting high-profile for-profit productions with seating capacities of 500 or more. The Tony Awards, also known as the Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, are presented annually to recognize excellence in live Broadway theatre.

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14. What is Off-Broadway known for?

Explanation

Off-Broadway refers to theaters with 100-499 seats that are for-profit. While it used to be known for experimental works, it is now considered a part of the establishment and recognized with 'Obie' awards by the Village Voice.

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15. What defines Off-Off-Broadway?

Explanation

Off-Off-Broadway refers to small, intimate venues with less than 100 seats where experimental performances are often held in unconventional spaces. These productions are usually for profit but operate on low budgets.

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16. What does the term 'homogenous audience' mean?

Explanation

The term 'homogenous audience' refers to a group of people who are similar in characteristics or interests, rather than being diverse, unique, or opposite in nature.

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17. What type of audience is a general audience typically comprised of?

Explanation

A general audience is one that includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and interests, rather than focusing on a specific or narrow demographic. Therefore, the correct answer is 'different.'

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18. What are some characteristics of Regional Theatre?

Explanation

Regional Theatre refers to professional theaters that are not-for-profit and receive funding from sources like the NEA and Ford Foundation. They often provide long-term contracts for actors and have subsidies that allow them to take more artistic risks.

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19. What is Environmental Theatre?

Explanation

Environmental Theatre refers to the impact of the performance space on the production, not necessarily the content or technology used in the play.

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20. What is a promenade?

Explanation

A promenade in the context of the question refers to a type of theatrical production where the audience is required to move along with the performers. It is a unique form of immersive theater experience.

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21. What is Guerrilla Theatre?

Explanation

Guerrilla Theatre is known for its unconventional nature and often involves breaking the fourth wall with the audience. It seeks to challenge norms and raise awareness about social or political issues.

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22. What is the website for Improv Everywhere?

Explanation

Improv Everywhere is a comedic performance art group known for their public pranks and stunts. Their official website is improveverywhere.com, not the other options provided.

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23. What is the origin of the Blue Man Group?

Explanation

The Blue Man Group started as a street theatre group in 1988 and gradually expanded their performance venues and reach.

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24. What does the term 'franchise' refer to in the context of theater productions?

Explanation

A franchise in theater refers to multiple productions running concurrently with different casts performing the same show, allowing for flexibility and wider reach.

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25. What is a critic?

Explanation

A critic is someone who writes longer pieces such as articles and books, providing in-depth analysis and explanation. They require qualifications and have the advantage of writing about what interests them.

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26. What is prescriptive criticism?

Explanation

Prescriptive criticism involves providing suggestions or recommendations for how a play should be improved or modified based on the reviewer's opinion, rather than solely analyzing or summarizing its content.

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27. What is the Abydos passion play?

Explanation

The Abydos passion play is specifically related to the Osiris myth and its staging, not to comedic sketches, ritualistic dances, or traditional music.

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28. What is the definition of medium in the context of an art form?

Explanation

In the context of art, medium refers to the materials and techniques used by an artist to create a work of art. It is the means by which the art form presents its material, such as human speech and action in theatre.

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What is a character?
What does 'deus ex machina' literally mean?
What is a script?
What term describes the phenomenon of a group of individuals...
What tradition involves audience members joining performers for food...
What is the significance of the Butchers in the play?
What is unique about the musical 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' by...
In the 1968 performance Paradise Now, what unique invitation did the...
Which American theatre company was acclaimed in the 1960s and...
What does the term 'costume' refer to?
What is meant by the term 'collective mind'?
What is the definition of suspension of disbelief?
What is Broadway known for?
What is Off-Broadway known for?
What defines Off-Off-Broadway?
What does the term 'homogenous audience' mean?
What type of audience is a general audience typically comprised of?
What are some characteristics of Regional Theatre?
What is Environmental Theatre?
What is a promenade?
What is Guerrilla Theatre?
What is the website for Improv Everywhere?
What is the origin of the Blue Man Group?
What does the term 'franchise' refer to in the context of theater...
What is a critic?
What is prescriptive criticism?
What is the Abydos passion play?
What is the definition of medium in the context of an art form?
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