THE IMAGINATION

OF THE AUDIENCE
TOOLS OF THE IMAGINATIONATION
A symbol is a sign, token, or emblem that
signifies something else.
The term status symbol is a frank recognition
of the importance of personal possessions in
conferring status on the owner.
Some symbols signify ideas or emotions that
are far more complex and profound than the
symbol itself.
Metaphors

The Lord is my shepherd.
Thou art my rock and my fortress.

Like symbols, metaphors are part of
the fabric of life.
The Reality of the Imagination
Our use of symbol and metaphor shows how
large a part imagination plays in our lives.
Beyond being a matter of convenience,
symbols are necessary to our survival.
Frequently we find that we cannot express
any of the deep human feelings in descriptive
language so we sometimes scream.
This is also the reason why we have poetry
and metaphors.
Dreams provide another example of the
power of imagination.
Theater functions somewhat the same way.
Though not real in a literal sense, it can be
completely real in an emotional or
intellectual sense.
Theater, like dreams and fantasies, can
sometimes be more truthful about life than a
mundane, objective description. This is a
paradox of dreams, fantasies, and art,
including theater: by probing deep into the
psyche to reveal inner truths, they can be
more real than outward reality.
The Imaginary Worlds of Theater
REALISTIC TECHNIQUES
NONREALISTIC
TECHNIQUES
STORY
Events which the audience
knows have happened or
might happen in everyday
life
Events which do not take
place in real life but occur
only in the imagination
STRUCTURE
Action is confined to real
places; time passes
normally as it does in
everyday life
Arbitrary use of time and
place
CHARACTERS Recognizable human beings Unreal figures
ACTING
Performers portray people
as they behave in daily life
Performers portray animals;
they also engage in singing,
dancing and acrobatics
LANGUAGE
Ordinary dialogue or
conversation
Poetry
SCENERY Rooms of a real house
Abstract forms and shapes
on a bare stage
LIGHTING
Light onstage appears to come
from natural sources
Shafts of light fall at odd
angles; also, colors in light
are used arbitrarily
COSTUMES Ordinary street clothes
The bright costumes of a
chorus in a musical comedy;
the strange outfit worn by
characters
MAKEUP
The natural look of characters in
a domestic play
Masks are worn by
characters