What is theatre?
Plot, Character, Idea, Language, Music, and Spectacle
What is a Play?
Classical Greek Theatre: Ways, means and society
OEDIPUS THE KING
The Basic Elements of Theatre
Script/Text, Scenario, Plan
This is the starting point of the theatrical performance. The element most often considered as the
domain of the playwright in theatre. The playwright’s script is the text by which theatre is created. It
can be simplistic, as in the 16
century, with the scenarios used by the acting troupes of the Commedia
dell’ arte, or it can be elaborate, such as the works of William Shakespeare. The script, scenario, or
plan is what the director uses as a blue print to build a production from.
This is the coordination of the creative efforts usually headed up in theatre by the director. It is the pure
process by which the playwright’s work is brought to realization by the director, actors, designers,
technicians, dancers, musicians, and any other collaborators that come together on the script, scenario,
or plan. This is the works in progress stage.
This is the end result of the process of work involved. The final product that results from all of the
labors coming together to complete the finished work of script, scenario, and plan, in union with all of
the collaborators in the process to create the final product. This is what the audience will witness as
they sit in the theatre and view the work.
Theatre requires an audience. For all of the arts public is essential. The physical presence of an audience can
change a performance, inspire actors, and create expectations. Theatre is a living breathing art form. The presence
of live actors on the stage in front of live audiences sets it apart from modern day films and television.
Let us now look to the person who is responsible for the starting point of the theatrical event. The initial
creator of the script, scenario, or plan, as outlined above. This person is the playwright. A playwright works in that