Page 229 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: The Arts, 2010

prop. A portable object used in a drama to support the action or to give authenticity to the setting.
protagonist. The main character in a play.
reader’s theatre. A theatre genre in which students: (a) adopt the roles of different charac- ters and of a narrator to read a text; or (b) develop scripts based on familiar texts, practise their parts, and present their rehearsed reading to others. Reader’s theatre does not involve costumes, sets, props, or movement. The read- ers generally stand while reading, using their voices to bring the action of the scene to life.
relationship(s). See elements of drama.
role. The part played by an actor depicting a
character in a drama.
role on the wall. A convention in which students represent an important role in picture form
“on the wall” (usually on a large sheet of paper) so that information about the role can be collec- tively referred to or added as the drama pro- gresses. Information may include: the character’s inner qualities and external appearance; the community’s and/or the family’s opinions about the character; the character’s view of him- or herself; the external and internal forces working for and against the character; known and possible hidden influences on the action
or character.
role playing/role play. An instructional technique in which a student and/or the teacher acts the part of a character in an imagined situation, usually in order to explore the character’s thoughts, feelings, and values.
scene. A unit of a play, in which the setting is unchanged and the time continuous.
script. The written text of a drama, including stage directions and dialogue.
simulation. A re-creation of a series of events from real life. Students are assigned roles and provided with background information to help them re-enact the real-life situation. Students work in role in groups to plan their contribution, then negotiate as a class to create a joint product.
source. A text, idea, or event that provides the basis for a drama.
stage areas. Locations on the stage, such as stage left (actor’s left), stage right (actor’s right), upstage (away from audience), and downstage (close to audience).
stage manager. The person in charge of oversee- ing a production and calling technical cues.
style. (1) A particular type of drama within a broader dramatic category (e.g., commedia dell’arte is a type or style of mask comedy). (2) A distinct manner of presenting drama, often associated with a particular historical period, movement, writer, or performer.
tableau. A group of silent, motionless figures used to represent a scene, theme, or abstract idea (e.g., peace, joy), or an important moment in a narrative. Tableaux may be presented as stand-alone images to communicate one specific message or may be used to achieve particular effects in a longer drama work. Important features of a tableau include character, space, gesture, facial expression, and level.
talking stick. A drama strategy named after a ceremonial artefact used in many cultures (e.g., Aboriginal) to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. In Aboriginal tradition, a stick decorated with eagle feathers and crystals was held by a speaker to show that he or she had the right
to speak without being interrupted. In drama activities, a stick or other object passed among students can be used to give everyone a turn to speak.
GLOSSARY
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