Theatrical Genres and Styles Quiz

Name one performing genre and/or style that you are familiar with (eg comedy)

What does the genre of a performance refer to?

• The type of story being told

• The way actors are dressed

• The lighting used on stage

• The length of the performance

Answer explanation

The genre of a performance refers to the type of story being told, encompassing its themes and style. This distinguishes it from aspects like costumes, lighting, or duration, which do not define the genre.

Which theatrical style focuses on political ideas and engages the audience?

• Epic theatre

• Melodrama

• Comedy

• Physical theatre

Answer explanation

Epic theatre is a theatrical style that emphasizes political themes and aims to provoke critical thinking in the audience, encouraging them to engage with social issues rather than just passively watching.

What is a characteristic of commedia dell'arte?

• Uses elaborate costumes

• Often performed outside with improvised script

• Performed with a detailed script

• Focuses on political themes

Answer explanation

Commedia dell'arte is characterized by its improvisational style, often performed outdoors. This allows for spontaneous interaction with the audience, distinguishing it from scripted performances.

What is the primary focus of theatre in education (TiE)?

• To perform classical plays

• To showcase elaborate sets

• To educate with a message

• To entertain with humor

Answer explanation

The primary focus of theatre in education (TiE) is to educate with a message. It aims to convey important themes and lessons through performance, rather than just entertaining or showcasing elaborate sets.

Which genre is characterized by exaggeratedly emotional scenes?

• Comedy

• Epic theatre

• Tragedy

• Melodrama

Answer explanation

Melodrama is characterized by exaggerated emotional scenes, often featuring sensational events and strong appeals to the audience's feelings, making it distinct from genres like comedy, epic theatre, and tragedy.

What is the main purpose of physical theatre?

• To focus on political themes

• To perform in traditional costumes

• To use actors' bodies to create props or part of the set

• To tell a story through dialogue

Answer explanation

The main purpose of physical theatre is to use actors' bodies creatively, often incorporating them as props or elements of the set, emphasizing movement and physicality over traditional dialogue.

Which genre typically ends with a death or calamity?

• Tragedy

• Comedy

• Melodrama

• Commedia dell'arte

Answer explanation

Tragedy is a genre that typically concludes with a death or calamity, highlighting human suffering and moral dilemmas. In contrast, comedy and melodrama often have happier endings, while commedia dell'arte focuses on improvisation and humor.

What should be considered when selecting a genre or style for a performance?

• The budget for costumes

• The location of the theatre

• The number of actors

• The target audience

Answer explanation

When selecting a genre or style for a performance, the target audience is crucial as it influences the content, tone, and appeal of the performance, ensuring it resonates with viewers and meets their expectations.

Why is it beneficial to experiment with various theatrical techniques?

• To make the script more complex

• To enhance the creative process of a production

• To restrict the director's vision

• To minimize the cast size

Answer explanation

Experimenting with various theatrical techniques enhances the creative process of a production by allowing for innovation and exploration, leading to a more dynamic and engaging performance.