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Course Code and Title: HUME I - Art Appreciation
Lesson 12: Theater as a Living Art
Topic: The term theater is associated with drama. Theater is geared to the audience. It
includes drama activities, which may lead to the formal presentation of a scripted
play involving acting, directing, designing, managing, and other technical aspects.
Collier encyclopedia defines theater as a building, specifically designed for the
purpose of presenting dramatic performances before an audience.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, 90-95% of the students should be able to:
1. Give the basic concepts of theater
2. Describe the basic styles and elements of a theater vividly
3. Create a slide show using an improvised theater (boxed theater)
Pre-Assessment: Identify the following concepts.
________________ 1. What T is a building specifically designed for the purpose of
presenting dramatic performances before an audience.
________________ 2. What P is the element of theater who acts on stage?
________________ 3. What A is the element of theater who watch the performers on stage.
________________ 4. What C is the design of the dress that performers should wear on
stage?
________________ 5. Who is D, someone who observes theater and then analyzes and
comments on it?
Lesson Presentation:
THEATER AS A LIVING ART
Theater - a building specifically designed for the purpose of presenting dramatic
performances before an audience.
Example: Folk Arts Theater, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Theater Guilds
Basic Styles of Theater
1. Presentational Style - theater that is unabashedly theatrical
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Example: Dedipus Rex
2. Representational Style - takes all effort to create the illusion on stage that what the
audience sees is virtual reality
Example: Most of Henrick Ibsen’s theatrical style
3. Eclectic Style - incorporates many aspects of the two aforementioned styles plus
influences from naturalism, expressionism, symbolism, surrealism and other theater
“isms”
Functions of Theater
1. to effect change in the audience
2. a platform for propaganda, discussion of issues, political dogma
3. to entertain
4. for profit and pleasure
5. it challenges the mind and touches the heart
Elements of Theater
1. Performers - actors in theater
2. Audience - group of people watching the performers
3. Director - someone who rehearses the performers and coordinates their actions to
make certain that they interpret the text appropriately
- Traditional director - adheres as clse as possible to the playwright
original intention
- Virtuoso director - uses the script only as a means to project his own
ideas and intentions, not the playwright’s.
4. Theater Space / Set - where the performers and audiences come together. It may be
indoor or outdoor, of any size and shape
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5. Design - includes costume, make-up, props, lights and sounds
- Trim Props - (picture frames, clothes hanging, banderitas)
- Set Props - (pieces of furniture)
- Hand Props - (swords, umbrellas, sticks)
- Visual Effects Props - (snowstorm, fire, smoke)
- Sound Effect Props - (sounds created by electrical means)
6. Scene Design should consider the following:
a. Line - the outline or silhouette on stage
b. Mass - the overall bulk or weigh of scenic elements
c. Composition - the balance and arrangements of elements
d. Texture - the “feel” projected by surfaces and fabrics
e. Color - the shadings and contrasts of color combination
7. Costume Design - must achieve the following elements:
a. line
b. color
c. fabric
d. accessories
8. Sounds and Lights - for mood and style of the play
Objectives of Lighting Design
a. Provide visibility
b. Help establish time and space
c. Help create mood
d. Reinforce the style of the production
e. Provide focus on the stage
f. Create visual compositions
g. Establish rhythm of visual movement
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Qualities of Stage Lighting
a. Intensity
b. Color
c. Direction
d. Form
e. Movement
9. Playwright / Text / Script - the last element of a theater
Tastes of a Playwright
a. Selecting the specific subject of the play
b. Determining the specific subject of the play
c. Establishing purpose
d. Establishing point of view
e. Developing dramatic structure
f. Creating dramatic character
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Activity/Evaluation:
A. Individual Assignment: (10 points)
Search for a link where you can read the history of theater from prehistoric time to modern
theater. Take down important notes. Submit and share.
B. Group Project: (30 points)
Divide the class into five (5) groups.
Watch one screening of plays staged that are streamed online.
Fill up the following information about the play.
Title of the Play:
Style of the Theater:
Theme of the Play
Objective of the Play
Performers: (at least 3 major performers and the role each played in the play)
Director:
Critique on the following: Give 2-3 comments or suggestions.
Theater Space / Set
Theater Design
Scene Design
Costume Design
Sounds and Lights
Text or Script
Rubric on Screening and Critiquing a Play
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POINTS TO REMEMBER
Theater as a Living Art
Theater - a building specifically designed for the purpose of presenting dramatic
performances before an audience.
Basic Styles of Theater
1. Presentational Style
2. Representational Style
3. Eclectic Style
Functions of Theater
1. to effect change in the audience
2. a platform for propaganda; a discussion of issues
3. for profit and pleasure
4. it challenges the mind and touches the heart
Elements of Theater
1. Performers
2. Audience
3. Director
4. Theater Space / Set
5. Design
6. Scene Design
7. Costume Design
8. Sounds and Lights
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9. Playwright / Text / Script
