Theatre Fundamentals: History, Techniques, and Theory Quiz

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.