This document provides an outline for an English 9 class on the first day about elements of drama, theater, and writing dramatic monologues and synopses. It includes definitions for elements of drama and theater like tension, conflict, climax and mood. It also defines literary devices like allusion, symbolism and soliloquy that can be used in dramatic monologues. Guidelines are provided for writing monologues, including using strong openings, point of view and plot development. The document also defines verbals like gerunds, participles and infinitives. Finally, it discusses synopses of plays and provides steps for writing them, including introducing characters, presenting the crisis/resolution, and polishing each sentence.
This document provides an outline for an English 9 class on the first day about elements of drama, theater, and writing dramatic monologues and synopses. It includes definitions for elements of drama and theater like tension, conflict, climax and mood. It also defines literary devices like allusion, symbolism and soliloquy that can be used in dramatic monologues. Guidelines are provided for writing monologues, including using strong openings, point of view and plot development. The document also defines verbals like gerunds, participles and infinitives. Finally, it discusses synopses of plays and provides steps for writing them, including introducing characters, presenting the crisis/resolution, and polishing each sentence.
This document provides an outline for an English 9 class on the first day about elements of drama, theater, and writing dramatic monologues and synopses. It includes definitions for elements of drama and theater like tension, conflict, climax and mood. It also defines literary devices like allusion, symbolism and soliloquy that can be used in dramatic monologues. Guidelines are provided for writing monologues, including using strong openings, point of view and plot development. The document also defines verbals like gerunds, participles and infinitives. Finally, it discusses synopses of plays and provides steps for writing them, including introducing characters, presenting the crisis/resolution, and polishing each sentence.
decisive action, reference previous events, and even
further character development in the narrative Topic Outline: ● Elements of Drama and Theater 4. Recognize your style – The literary devices you ● Steps in Writing a Dramatic Monologue should utilize will depend on the style of monologue ● Literary Devices you are composing ● Verbals and Kinds of Verbals 5. Finish with a few final words – Leave your audience ● Synopsis of a Play with something to ponder after your monologue. ● Steps in Writing a Synopsis by Vivian Beck Literary Devices Elements of Drama and Theater Allusion – references a person, place, thing, or event in the Elements of Drama real world. Tension – times synonymous with conflict; interchangeable terms Example: “Careful, now. You do not want to go opening Pandora’s box.” Conflict – may be internal (man against himself) or external (man versus society or man versus nature) Symbolism – use of a situation or element to represent a Climax – one or more crises in the development of larger message, idea, or symbol. the plot; the highest point of a drama Mood – the ambience or aura; it is the feeling or tone Example: of a performance Black is used to symbolize death. Rhythm – timing and pace of the drama and the beat Heart is also used as a symbol of love. or tempo of the performance Soliloquy – a character speaks to himself/herself, relating to Elements of Theater the innermost thoughts and feelings as if thinking out loud.
Buck-and-truck-tour – low-budget tour of a play or Example:
musical; often presented in smaller cities for only a few nights "To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in Callback – request that an actor return for an the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, additional audition and by opposing end them. To die—to sleep, no more; and by Cattle call – audition open to anyone, regardless of a sleep to say we end the heart-ache and the thousand natural experience shocks That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation Character role – supporting role with pronounce or Devoutly to be wish'd." – A famous soliloquy from the novel eccentric characteristics “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare. Chemistry – mysterious element that creates excitement when two actors appear together Verbals Cold reading – delivering a speech or acting a scene at an audition without having read it beforehand A verbal is a verb that does not function as a verb. Cue – a line of dialogue, action, or sound; tells ab actor it is time to enter, exit, move across the stage, Gerund – ends in -ing and acts as a noun. or begin speaking 1. As subject: Pretending innocent won’t help you. Curtain up – start of a performance 2. As direct object: My father enjoys watching comedy Steps in Writing a Dramatic Monologue shows.
3. As a Predicate nominative: Even after her break,
1. Begin with a strong opening sentence – start with a Abby’s favorite hobby was still teaching. shocking revelation 2. Use a powerful point of view – Get to know your 4. As an object of the preposition: In making gourmet character’s voice since that is all you have got dishes, you must take lessons from Gordon Ramsey. 3. Create a plot for your story – Although monologues are often short, they can demonstrate the buildup to 5. As appositive: His stress-reliever, reading, is enough to make his mood lighten. Zik | 1 Participle – functions as adjectives that modifies nouns and/or 3. Construct the body of your synopsis – Use pronounces. chronological order, each scene should include/indicate action, reaction, and decision. The melting icebergs in the arctics are one of the factors why 4. Present the crisis and resolution of your story – the sea levels are increasing. Show your main characters’ struggles or conflicts by including relevant details. The melted butter was so satisfying in the eyes. 5. Rewrite your synopsis until each sentence is polished to the point of perfection – Use strong adjectives and verbs and always write in present Infinitives – used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. tense.
1. As subject: To pretend innocent won’t help you.
2. As direct object: My father wants to watch comedy
shows.
3. As a Predicate nominative: Even after her break,
Abby’s favorite hobby was to teach.
Synopsis of a Play
A synopsis or plot summary is a crucial selling tool for the
play, as the intended audience may get a feel of the story at a glance. Writing a synopsis is also a good exercise for drama education. It demonstrates:
The students’ understanding of the play;
The students’ ability to put ideas into their words; The students’ ability to string together coherent ideas; and The reinforcement of literacy skills.
Guidelines in writing a good plot synopsis
1. State the time and place at the beginning of the
synopsis. 2. Write a brief description of the main characters as they appear in the story. 3. Begin the summary at the opening of the story and present it in the same order—the play and end at the play’s conclusion. 4. Describe the dramatic scenes that propel the story forward and include climatic scenes. 5. It must be no longer than 250 words. 6. Use present tense and third person in telling the story. 7. Include dialogues in telling the story.
Steps in Writing a Synopsis by Vivian Beck (2005)
1. Start with a hook – Write a paragraph or two similar
to the blurb on the back of a book. 2. Introduction of Characters – Describe the main characters.