HIGHER DRAMA

Thinking About Section B: Ground Plan And Dramatic Commentary

Your Ground Plan must clearly show all of the following: • • • • •

logical staging (viability) a key positioning of the audience clearly marked entrances and exits in appropriate positions Opening positions of all characters marked on the stage

4 marks will be awarded if you have all of the above

Moves & Interpretive notes Justification for actors (Why?) (What and How?) 7 marks 7 marks • • • • • • • •

stage positions advice on movement advice on voice characterisation proxemics* advice on relationships character interaction important changes in mood or atmosphere

Justification must correspond with the moves and interpretive notes for actors Try to link with: • themes of the play • issues raised • conflicts that arise

Technical Effects 2 marks How are the lights as the scene opens? • a wash of light covering the entire stage • a pool of light on a specific area or character • colours, gels, brightness, intensity… • Justify the lights you have chosen to use.

*the effect cultural, behavioural and social aspects affect spatial distances between individuals

• Nomenclature (always number each point on both script and drama commentary) • Think of it as notes from a director • You must use theatrical terminology • Aim for a balance between voice and movement direction • Aim to have around 15-20 pieces of direction • Avoid repetition • Don’t leave big gaps in your direction • Focus on quality of direction rather than quantity • DO complete the entire dramatic commentary

Using Terminology: U.S.R.

U.S.C.

U.S.L.

C.S.R

C.S.

C.S.L.

D.S.R

D.S.C.

D.S.L.

Crosses to… from… Sits on the sofa… Stands by the window… Kneels in front of…

Voice and Movement Terms Using the correct voice and movement terminology is of the utmost importance to the marks you will receive: VOICE

MOVEMENT

Tone

Facial Expression

Pace

Eye Contact

Volume

Gesture

Pause

Body Language

Emphasis

Posture – stance

Clarity

Use of Space – proxemics

Intonation

Levels