EXERCISE

1. Enumerate the Theatre Conventions and define each convention

The following are examples of theatrical conventions:
Performance Space
 It is a designated performance area. The auditorium stage is used in schools, although
performances can also take place in a gym, cafeteria, or normal classroom. The most
crucial aspect is that performers are free to walk about, and there is ample room for
both actors and audience.
The Program
 It's a printed sheet of paper or booklet that contains intriguing details about the
manufacture. The program's content comprises the title of the show, the playwright's
name, and a credit to the publishing house. It also included information on the
characters' cast and the actors that played them, among other things. A program serves
as both a source of information and a souvenir.
House Lights
 The house lights are the lights in the ceiling above the audience. A universally used
signal that the show is about to begin is the blinking of the house lights. This signal is a
notice to the audience that they should take their seats because the performance will
begin in about 5 minutes. The slowly dimming lights give the audience time to become
quite and prepare to enjoy the show.
Curtain Up/Open
 The expression "curtain up" or "curtain opens" refers to the rise or opening of those
curtains. The curtains are already open when the audience enters the theatre. In these
cases, the audience knows that the performance will begin by a signal.
Intermission
 A short break in the action of the play for the audience. A long performance or a play
that has more than one act usually does have intermissions. The length of the
intermission is usually printed in the program. During intermission, members of the
audience can stand up, move around, can go to the restroom, get a drink of water, or
visit quietly to their friends.
Blackout
  Turning out all the stage lights at one time. Blackouts are often used to show the
passage of time at the end of a scene or act. Blackouts is also used for special effects.
Because some actions cannot be portrayed in broad view of the audience, a director
might choose to "chop off a head" or "melt down" a character during a split-second
blackout.
Curtain Down/Closed
 The term "curtain down" or "curtain closed" refers to the fall or close of the curtain at
the end of an act or play. The closing of a curtain at the end of an act is followed by an
intermission. The closing of the curtain after the last act means that the performance or
play is over.

Curtain Call
 Following of performance, the appearance of the actors onstage to acknowledge the
appreciation of the audience and to take a bow. To an actor, the curtain call is one of
the most exciting and rewarding parts of the performance.
Applause
Applause is the opportunity for the audience to let the entire company know how much
they enjoyed and appreciated the performance. Applause is an acknowledgement and
reward for all the hard work and team effort that went into putting on the production.
Applause is given at the end of scenes and acts, at the end of the performance, and
during the curtain call.
2. Enumerate and discuss the Audience Etiquette
At a theatrical event, Audience Etiquette refers to proper crowd behaviour. The
necessity of proper social manners has been emphasized by your parents and
instructors. When you enter the theatre or auditorium, you must act appropriately. If
you don't have a ticket for the concert, give yourself plenty of time to get one before
the show starts.
Before the Performance
Always arrive on time.  It is inconvenient for the rest of the audience when latecomers
stroll in front of them or clamber over them, obstructing their view of the performance.
People that arrive late also generate noise when they are seated, which inhibits on-time
audience members from hearing the speech or music.
Prior to being seated, remember to take care of any unfinished business in the
restroom and to drink some water. If you have to leave in the middle of the
performance, you will miss some of the entertainment and will be a distraction to
others sat nearby. Once you've taken a seat, be respectful to people around you. Keep
 your hands, arms, and feet to yourselves, as well as any personal items such as
umbrellas. Make sure you don't place your feet on the chair in front of you. If you wish
to chat with friends before the performance, do so softly.
During the Performance

 Be mindful to individuals in your immediate vicinity. Talking or making noises should

not divert anyone's attention away from the performance. Others in the crowd did not
come to hear or watch you perform, even if you know all the lines to the performance
or all the words to the songs. It is considered really bad taste to speak up or sing along
with the audience. Unless you have an emergency, do not leave your seat after the
show begins. If you have to go, do it softly as unobtrusively as possible. If you're at a
performance with your class or a school group, tell your instructor or director that you
have an emergency quietly.
During a theatrical performance, recording music, videotaping performances, and
taking photos are all forbidden. Copyright laws make it illegal to record any music
during a performance without the authors' and performers' explicit authorization.
Cameras are distracting to both the artists and the rest of the audience. Camera flashes
can temporarily blind a performer or create a character or conversation gap.

After the Performance

 Wait until the house lights are turned up after the performance is over so you can see
the aisles and exits plainly. It is appropriate to quietly review the performance with your
companions as you wait patiently for your time to go. Check under and around your
seat for any personal items you may have forgotten about.
Avoid squeezing into people in front of you as you depart the theatre or auditorium.
Even though you may have to wait many minutes to escape, remember to be
respectful. Climbing under or leaping over chairs simply serves to display your lack of
judgment to others.