On stage!

On stage!

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
This task is about identifying the different parts of a stage and their function.
You will identify the different parts of a stage then answer some questions about stages.

Question Change answer

Use the labels given below to name the different parts of the stage. 
Drag and drop image target

Question 1Change answer

b) The areas to the side of the stage are called 'wings'.
     Why are the wings useful to the actors and director of a play?

Question 1Change answer

c) The part of the stage in front of the curtain is called the 'apron'.
    At what times in the staging of a play is it a useful acting area?

Question 1Change answer

d) Why is it useful for actors and the director to have the stage divided into specific areas,
    e.g., downstage, upstage, centre stage left?

Question 1Change answer

e) In New Zealand a ticket to the theatre to see a play is often more expensive than going to a movie.
    Write a reason why this is so.
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online (without auto-marking).
Copyright: 
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Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
English, Creating meaning, Presenting
Keywords: 
drama, visual cues
Description of task: 
On a diagram of a stage, students identify four named areas. Then they answer questions about the uses of other aspects of stages.
Answers/responses: 

Scoring:

  

Y10 (11/2001)

4 marks
(1 mark each)

 a)

 

downstage -
easy

centre stage left -
difficult

backdrop -
very easy

a prop -
very easy
1 mark b) They allow actors to make quick entrances and exits/allow speedy scene changes. moderate
1 mark c) Any 1 of:

  • Actors can be on the apron while the scene is changing behind them and so keep the momentum of the play going.
  • For the taking of bows at the end.
  • The apron can be useful for productions with very big scenes with lots of the cast being used.
  • Can allow a narrator to talk to the audience.
 moderate
1 mark d)
  • The actors and director of the play can be given precise instructions on how the dramatist/writer wants actors to exit and enter and where to place props and scenery.
  • The director can use the terms when instructing the actors in rehearsal.
 very easy
1 mark e) The costs of staging a live performance can be considerable. moderate