DRAM 1101 Chapter Summary: Playwriting Directing and Acting
Document Summary
Playwright (as defined by edward albee): someone who lets his gut out on stage. Except for actors, the playwright is the earliest role in theatre"s history. Ancient greece: thespis (derivative: thespian) and aeschylus were actor- playwrights and most playwrights served as what today what we call directors. Not a paid profession for a long time -> important contribution to civic life. Playwriting became (widely) professionalized in the the renaissance. Aphera behn: first professional playwright in england. Characters on stage are living the two most important hours of their lives. Four basic elements of playwriting: character, need, conflict, resolution. Technical rehearsals: the last step in the rehearsal process. It"s the step before the show opens and therefore the acting gets combined with different design components, meaning actors get to play in the same space with light, sound, costume, and scenery. The director is in charge of bringing all these components together in smooth harmony and transition.
