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THEATRE HISTORY FINAL ACTUAL EXAM 2025-2026
Identified with Konstantin Stanislavsky (1863-1938), a
Russian actor and director affiliated with the Moscow
Art Theatre.
1) The key to creating a character is to recognize the
psychological forces that motivate him or her. -
Character Study
2) Through imagination and personal experience, the
actor must find ways to identify with the character's
motivations
What are Aristotle's 6 components of tragedy in order
of importance?
1. Plot
2. Character
3. Thought
4. Diction
5. Music/Song
6. Spectacle
In "The Poetics," what name is given to poems
representing action?
Drama
Why is theatre instinctual to us as human beings?
We have a desire for imitation, harmony, and rhythm.
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Describe the recognition scene.
When the tragic hero moves from a state of ignorance
to a state of knowledge that leaves the world better off
because of their demise.
What is the function of the poet according to
Aristotle?
To relate what may happen, or what is possible
according to the law of probability or necessity.
What are the three origins of theatre?
1. Storytelling
2. Imitation-any attempt to use art to imitate life
3. Ritual/Ceremony
How did theatre start?
Homer was a singer (more like a rapper) and he told
stories to entertain. Arion in 625 BC started writing
down Homer's stories. Then came the Rhapsodes,
followed by the Dithyrambic Chorus (which was
chanting stories in a large group, mostly to glorify the
gods).
Who was the first "actor?"
Thespis (where we get the word theatre from), started
stepping out from the Dithyrambic chorus and
freestyling as a character, becoming the first actor
What does "actor" mean in Greek? Why?
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Hypocrite. Since acting was a new thing, people
thought actors were liars because they weren't
themselves.
What are examples of theatre for the use of
instruction? What is this called?
Didactic theatre is used to teach a lesson, to edify, or
to improve yourself morally.
How can theatre be used to entertain?
It is delightful and fun to watch. It can makes us laugh.
We experience exaltation (occasionally getting a
glimpse of the kingdom).
What god did the Greek festivals for Tragedy &
Comedy honor?
The festivals were held in Athens in March in honor of
Dionysus, the god of wine, partying, instinct.
What is Stendhal Syndrome?
When people get so overwhelmed by art that they
faint.
What are some tips on how to read a play?
-Keep a thumb on the cast list page
-Cast real actors in the roles
-Pay attention to stage directions
-Do your best to fully visualize the kinetic moments of
the play
Define decorous language.
THEATRE HISTORY FINAL ACTUAL EXAM 2025-2026
Identified with Konstantin Stanislavsky (1863-1938), a
Russian actor and director affiliated with the Moscow
Art Theatre.
1) The key to creating a character is to recognize the
psychological forces that motivate him or her. -
Character Study
2) Through imagination and personal experience, the
actor must find ways to identify with the character's
motivations
What are Aristotle's 6 components of tragedy in order
of importance?
1. Plot
2. Character
3. Thought
4. Diction
5. Music/Song
6. Spectacle
In "The Poetics," what name is given to poems
representing action?
Drama
Why is theatre instinctual to us as human beings?
We have a desire for imitation, harmony, and rhythm.
, Page 2 of 16
Describe the recognition scene.
When the tragic hero moves from a state of ignorance
to a state of knowledge that leaves the world better off
because of their demise.
What is the function of the poet according to
Aristotle?
To relate what may happen, or what is possible
according to the law of probability or necessity.
What are the three origins of theatre?
1. Storytelling
2. Imitation-any attempt to use art to imitate life
3. Ritual/Ceremony
How did theatre start?
Homer was a singer (more like a rapper) and he told
stories to entertain. Arion in 625 BC started writing
down Homer's stories. Then came the Rhapsodes,
followed by the Dithyrambic Chorus (which was
chanting stories in a large group, mostly to glorify the
gods).
Who was the first "actor?"
Thespis (where we get the word theatre from), started
stepping out from the Dithyrambic chorus and
freestyling as a character, becoming the first actor
What does "actor" mean in Greek? Why?
, Page 3 of 16
Hypocrite. Since acting was a new thing, people
thought actors were liars because they weren't
themselves.
What are examples of theatre for the use of
instruction? What is this called?
Didactic theatre is used to teach a lesson, to edify, or
to improve yourself morally.
How can theatre be used to entertain?
It is delightful and fun to watch. It can makes us laugh.
We experience exaltation (occasionally getting a
glimpse of the kingdom).
What god did the Greek festivals for Tragedy &
Comedy honor?
The festivals were held in Athens in March in honor of
Dionysus, the god of wine, partying, instinct.
What is Stendhal Syndrome?
When people get so overwhelmed by art that they
faint.
What are some tips on how to read a play?
-Keep a thumb on the cast list page
-Cast real actors in the roles
-Pay attention to stage directions
-Do your best to fully visualize the kinetic moments of
the play
Define decorous language.
