Year 7

Developing a character and writing dialogue for performance

In this lesson, students will use drama techniques to develop their character further, and will write a monologue for their character, annotating this with ideas of how to perform it.

Year 7

Developing a character and writing dialogue for performance

In this lesson, students will use drama techniques to develop their character further, and will write a monologue for their character, annotating this with ideas of how to perform it.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In this lesson, students will develop their monologue for performance, adding in other dramatic techniques such as thought tracking, and thinking of ways they can mark the moment. They look at vocal and physical performance techniques and apply these to their performance, and if possible, ask someone to film them performing their monologue. They watch their monologue back and evaluate their performance.

Content guidance

  • Physical activity required.

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

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5 Questions

Q1.
What is a monologue?
A one person show.
Correct answer: A speech delivered by one person in a performance.
A train which only has one rail.
Q2.
What is the most exciting part of a story structure called?
Correct answer: Climax
Falling Action
Resolution
Q3.
Why do we use character questionnaires when developing a character?
To add information to the script.
Correct answer: To develop a character which is more "three-dimensional" and believable.
To help sell more tickets for the performance.
Q4.
What is "first person narration"?
When only one person is on stage.
When the first person to appear on stage starts to talk.
Correct answer: When the narration in a story or performance is from one person's point of view and is in first person, e.g. "I"
Q5.
What is characterisation?
Putting your costume on for the first time.
Correct answer: The process of creating and developing a character for performance.
The process of warming up before a performance.

5 Questions

Q1.
What is meant by the "fourth wall" in Drama?
It is the back wall where the set is displayed.
It is the front door where the audience come in to the theatre.
Correct answer: It is the invisible wall separating the performers from the audience.
Q2.
Which is the correct definition for thought tracking?
Correct answer: When a character steps out of the scene and speaks to the audience about their thoughts
When the audience track a character around the stage
Writing down the thoughts of your character
Q3.
What do we mean by "direct audience address?
Directing a line to one person in the audience.
Making sure we have the audience's addresses when they book their tickets.
Correct answer: Speaking directly to the audience, either in role, or by coming out of role.
Q4.
What is improvising?
Correct answer: Acting without a script, without preparation.
Speaking directly to the audience.
Writing a script for a performance.
Q5.
Which of the following answers contains good advice for improvising?
Drink a full pint of water before you start.
Keep repeating the first line until you get it completely right.
Correct answer: Warm up first, just give it a go, and don't over-think it.