Stage Directing for Dummies

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. A lot of first-time actors don't realize that they are hard to hear and see when they turn their backs to the audience. What is a "rule of thumb" to keep actors open to the audience? Always keep one hand pointed toward the wings. Put arrows on the stage floor. Stay as far upstage as possible at all times. Keep one foot pointed toward the audience at all times.

2. Many new actors have trouble memorizing their lines. What is a good way to memorize a script? Write the script out over and over again. All of these are good techniques. Read the script out loud over and over again. Read the script just before going to bed and again when you wake.

3. Some actors are hard to hear because they just aren't speaking loudly enough. Which of these is NOT a possible physical contributor to this problem? Keeping too much tension in your body Not opening your mouth widely enough Playing too small of a role Not breathing from your diaphragm

4. If you want to feature an actor in the place the audience will look first (in the United States), where should you direct the actor to stand? Center Stage Downstage Right Upstage Downstage Left

5. Directors need to tell students to go places like "upstage" and "downstage". Why were those directions named "up" and "down"? Theatre people like to use different words to confuse non-theatre people In Greek times, the words "up" and "back" were synonomous Stages used to be built on a ramp People used to jump up and down in the back part of the stage

6. Which of these steps is necessary before a young cast and crew rehearse on a stage? Both of these are necessary The cast and crew need to learn courtesy guidelines The cast and crew need to learn safety rules Neither of these is necessary

7. Many theatre people have superstitions about what you can and cannot do in a theatre. Which of these is NOT a common superstitious practice around a stage? People may not say the word "MacBeth". Pinch an actor just before going onstage. Actors may not whistle on or offstage. Someone must perform a cartwheel across the stage 5 minutes before curtain time.

8. Which of these, when used frequently, can cause long-term damage to vocal cords? Lemon Decaffeinated tea Honey Water

9. Unless the production is a musical, actors do not need to "warm up" before a show. True False

10. Since schools are non-profit organizations, it is not necessary to pay royalties on plays and other materials. True False