Conventions in Theatre

The Rules by Which the

Play is Performed

Conventions set up logic

Conventions set the degree of
abstraction the play will have.
Some plays try to replicate reality,
while some do not.
Conventions should be consistent,
as adding or taking them away half
through a show throws the logic of
the play.

Presentational Devices
A deliberate attempt to be
theatrical
Use of Narrator or Chorus
Script written for actors to play
multiple roles
Seeing Actors change costumes
and sets in view of the audience
Personification
Theatre Magic is shown or

Representational
A definite attempt to look or feel
realistic
Use of the 4th Wall
Realistic settings and costuming
Logical sequence of time
Actors play one role throughout
Theatre Magic is hidden

Conventions used by
Playwrights

Narration
Flash Backs/Forward
Song and Music
Personification
The passage of stage time vs. Plot
time

Conventions Used by
Directors

Suggestive Scenery or costuming

Pantomime
Stylized movement
Deliberate tempo of scenes
Split scenes / Conversations

Conventions used by
Designers
Sets that are cut away to reveal the
interior
Use of light and sound to replicate
reality
Illusion that beyond the set there is
more
Creation of set pieces that can
become many things.
A set piece or costume that is

Conventions Used by Actors

Use of the 4th Wall
Endowment
Sense Memory
Direct Audience Address
Aside

Conventions Create Style

Plays of a type with have
conventions that serve that type
Realistic, Abstract, Era
Plays can have realistic and
abstract conventions creating their
own style.
Some conventions work with some
audiences, some do not direction
is important.