Drama originated in ancient Greece around 543 B.C. as choral performances honoring the god Dionysus, performed in large outdoor theaters. Key elements of drama include plot, character, and dialogue, and the document also outlines roles such as playwrights, actors, and directors, along with various types of Greek drama like tragedy and comedy.

1. A HISTORY OF DRAMA
Drama began in
ancient Greece dating
back to 543 B.C.
It started as choral
performances of
dancing and singing
honoring the Greek
god, Dionysus, the god
of wine.

2. The Greeks held their dramas in outdoor
theaters called amphitheaters, the largest
seating 14,000 people.
Theater at
Delphi

3. 550-534 BC
Located at the
bottom of the
Acropolis in
Athens.
Orchestra
Chorus Proskenion
Skene
Theater of Dionysos

4. DRAMA
AND
THEATER

7. Drama
Prose or verse telling a story intended
for representation by actors through
dialogue or action.

8. The Play
Script : printed copy of a play.
Acts : the major sections of a play.
Playwright : person who writes plays.
Scene : small section or portion of a play.

9. The People
Actor: male performer
Actress: female performer
Cast: all performers selected to portray
characters.
Director: instructs actors on how to portray
characters.

10. The Theater
A building where a play is performed
containing the stage and seating area for
the audience.

11. Areas of the Stage
Backstage: area behind scenery not visible
to audience.
Center stage: area in the center of the stage.
Downstage: area closest to the audience.
Stage left/right: area to actor’s left or right
as he/she faces the audience.

12. Upstage: area furthest away from the
audience.
Backdrop: painted curtain without fullness.
Set: all sets and props that help define the
action.
Flats: canvas-covered wooden frames used
for scenery.

13. Upstage
B
A
C
K
ST
A
G
E
BA
CK
ST
AG
E
Down Stage
Center Stage Stage Left
Stage Right
Audience

14. Stage Directions
Cue: something that precedes the next
action.
Cut: to stop the action.
Exit: to leave the stage.

15. Elements of Drama
Plot: the main storyline
Theme: the basic idea of the play
Character: person, animal or thing in the
story

16. Language: formal setting or dialect
Spectacle: visuals involved on stage
Dialogue: conversation between two or
more characters.
Monologue: one person speaking

17. Costumes: clothing worn by an actor
on stage to help represent characters.
Props: items used on stage to help
actors tell a story

18. Creative Dramatics
Improvisation: to make up or perform
without preparation.
Pantomime: to communicate without
speaking using only facial and body
gestures.

19. Mimicry: to copy or imitate something very
closely.
Role Playing : to take on the characteristics
of someone or something.

20. Types of Greek Drama
Tragedy: character is confronted with a
difficult moral choice and usually ends in
his or her death.
Comedy: a humorous entertaining
performance with a happy ending.