Introduction to Drama, Monologue: May 1

Basic Intro & Syllabus

INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA
1. MONOLOGUE

What is drama? What is a play?

• A structured, unified story.
• Has a beginning, middle and end.
• Expresses a vision.
• Shows unfolding conflict that builds to a climax.
• Deals with plausible series of events.
• Deals with complicated, human characters who have emotions, needs, objectives that motivate them to take action (or attempt to…)
• A play is a compression of ideas and actions. It is a kind of blueprint. Unlike a novel, that comes to life in the reader’s head, the play is composed to come to life in the hands of actors, directors, etc.
• Plays should be in the present tense: action happening now.
• Unity of time, place, and action. i.e.-time should make sense, a day in the life, a week, etc.-place should be clear and consistent, not broken randomly -action should make sense within the reality of the play itself – all actions that don’t move the central conflict forward need to be eliminated

A play IS AN interpretation of life, NOT real life. 

A play is a series of scenes. 

What is a SCENE?

Scene is the basic unit of a play. A unit of energy in which opposing forces that have desire come together. Scene is over when conflict is resolved. Usually win/lose/draw.

 Or

Stasis/interruption

Want/block 

IN-CLASS WRITING Write a monologue (using photos)

ASSIGNMENT 1: expand your in-class writing to 500 words

JOURNAL HOMEWORK: Record instances of people delivering monologues in public. Record or transcribe.