Year 9

Evaluating stagecraft - special effects

In this lesson, we will look at design elements, exploring how the combination of multiple effects can create breathtaking moments of theatre.

Year 9

Evaluating stagecraft - special effects

In this lesson, we will look at design elements, exploring how the combination of multiple effects can create breathtaking moments of theatre.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In this lesson, students will plan and produce a longer piece of writing in response to a short extract of theatre. They will consider the aims of the theatre makers, and their own response as an audience member as they describe, analyse and evaluate the features seen. They will then critique their own approach and look for what could have been improved.

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 does 'analyse' mean?
Correct answer: To examine in detail and consider why choices were made.
To give an accurate account of something in detail.
Q2.
In a play or novel, what is a theme?
Correct answer: A main idea which runs through the story.
The message which is the moral of the story.
Q3.
In a theatre production, who is responsible for designing the scenery which comes on stage?
The director.
Correct answer: The set designer.
The stage manager.
Q4.
In a theatre production, who would decide what themes and ideas they wanted to highlight in a production?
The designer.
Correct answer: The director.
The producer.
Q5.
What is a stage production of a novel called?
A revival.
A translation.
Correct answer: An adaptation.

5 Questions

Q1.
What is the name for explosions and fire effects used on stage?
Electronics.
Pyromania.
Correct answer: Pyrotechnics.
Q2.
Which of the following explains what a directorial concept is?
Correct answer: An idea and intention for presenting a text in a certain way.
Re-writing the play to make it more contemporary.
Q3.
Which of the following were themes from Frankenstein we saw highlighted in the scene?
Family, Death, Jealousy.
Correct answer: Knowledge and Discovery, Society and Isolation.
Love, Beauty, Mistaken Identity.
Q4.
How did the steam train arrive on stage?
Flown in from the ceiling.
Correct answer: On automation tracks.
Wheeled on by stage crew.
Q5.
What did the use of a uniform costume signify in this scene?
That the characters all worked for the same company.
Correct answer: That the characters represented a unit, possibly society, and that the Monster was different to them.
That there wasn't much choice in what to wear in the 19th century.