Chapter 2
Theatre as a metaphor for daily life Melodramatic Highly theatrical Prima donna Play-acting
Theatre is an activity that we use to describe how we live
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TV shows reflect comic traditions, techniques, characters, and structures developed in theatre Daytime soap operas Nighttime situation comedies Hospital and police shows Variety shows News documentaries
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Theatrical genres and specific plays have been appropriated by film Dreamgirls Hairspray Mamma Mia!
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Most film genres borrow from past theatrical traditions Harry Potter Batman
Early theatrical audiences were often obsessed with theatrical stars
Many film stars began their careers in theatre
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Rock stars often use theatrical comparisons to defend their work Lady Gaga
Rock stars create theatrical characters by using: Costumes Props Makeup
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Rock stars often act in films and in theatre Elvis Presley The Beatles Madonna Mark Wahlberg Ice T Tupac Shakur Eminem
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Concerts are highly theatrical events Music videos are theatrical
Narratives of videos are visual and dramatic
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Rock is used as the score for musicals Mamma Mia! Lennon All Shook Up Good Vibrations Jersey Boys Jukebox Journey
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Amusement parks present staged productions based on films
Rides incorporate theatricality ET Raiders of the Lost Ark Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror
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Restaurants with theatricalized environments Rainforest Café
Shopping centers and specialty stores with theatricalized environments Niketown American Girl
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Museums with stage presentations and exhibits that function like stage settings
Dinner theatres Sports events function like theatre spaces
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Many of the storylines in digital entertainment present a theatrical plotline
Theatrical role-playing websites
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Differences between Theatre-Related Activities and Theatre Itself Recorded performances lack performer-
audience interaction Musical performances, half-time shows, etc.
are live performances but make no pretense of dramatic production
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How the Audience Participates
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Diversity of Audiences Makeup of Audiences: Past and Present Where We See Theatre Audiences Today: Multicultural and Diverse
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Preparing for Criticism Criteria for Criticism
What is the playwright or production attempting to do?
How well has it been done? Is it worth doing?
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Decline of Critics’ and Reviewers’ Influence
The Audience Member’s Independent Judgment
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