What's covered
Key facts
Artaud used theatre to shock, challenge and disturb audiences.
Brecht wanted audiences to think critically about the story and its message rather than just feel emotions.
During his productions Brecht wanted audiences to think critically, not to be emotionally absorbed or overwhelmed.
A theatre director guides the whole cast and creative team.
A playwright writes the script; a director guides the performers.
A theatre practitioner's ideas shape the look, feel and meaning of a production.
A set designer creates the stage environment — scenery, furniture and layout.
Stanislavski is the practitioner known for naturalism — acting as truthfully as possible.
Stanislavski developed truthful, realistic acting — not a deliberately unrealistic, exaggerated style.
A touring theatre company travels and performs in different venues across the country.
Sample questions
A taste of the 10 questions in this topic, answers marked. Sign up to practise the full set with spaced repetition.
How did Brecht want audiences to respond during his theatre productions?
- •Be frightened and overwhelmed by the action on stage
- •Cry and feel completely absorbed in the characters
- •Guess the plot twist at the end of each scene
- ✓Think critically about the story and its message
What does a theatre director do?
- ✓Guides the whole cast and creative team
- •Manages ticket sales and front-of-house staff
- •Operates the lighting board during performances
- •Writes the script and designs the costumes
What does a set designer do in a theatre production?
- •Chooses the music and sound effects used in the show
- ✓Creates the stage environment — scenery, furniture, and layout
- •Decides how actors should deliver their lines
- •Designs the programme and marketing posters
What is the difference between a playwright and a director?
- •A playwright designs the set; a director designs the costumes
- •A playwright performs on stage; a director writes the lines
- ✓A playwright writes the script; a director guides performers
- •They are different names for the same role
What is a touring theatre company?
- •A company that only performs in one permanent theatre venue every year
- •A company that performs at schools and community centres rather than theatres
- ✓A company that travels and performs in different venues across the country
- •A group of performers who only create new plays written by living writers
How does a theatre practitioner influence a production?
- ✓Their ideas shape the look, feel, and meaning of a production
- •They control only the technical aspects like lighting and sound
- •They have no influence once rehearsals begin
- •They only affect which actors are cast in the show
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