English 9

1
English – Grade 9
Quarter 4 – Module 14: Fundamentals of a Play (Basic Terms)
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, Section 176 states that no copyright shall subsist in
any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for
exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things,
impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand

names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective
copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use
these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors
do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education - Schools Division of Pasig City

Development Team of the Self-Learning Module

Writer: Cherry A. Zerna
Editor: Karen Villanueva
Technical Reviewer: Rowena D. Roxas
Illustrator: Edison P. Clet
Layout Artist:
Management Team:
Ma. Evalou Concepcion A. Agustin
OIC-Schools Division Superintendent
Carolina T. Rivera, CESE
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Manuel A. Laguerta EdD
Chief Curriculum Implementation Division
Victor M. Javena, EdD
Chief - School Governance and Operations Division

Education Program Supervisors

Librada L. Agon EdD (EPP/TLE/TVL/TVE)

Liza A. Alvarez (Science/STEM/SSP)
Bernard R. Balitao (AP/HUMSS)
Joselito E. Calios (English/SPFL/GAS)
Norlyn D. Conde EdD (MAPEH/SPA/SPS/HOPE/A&D/Sports)
Wilma Q. Del Rosario (LRMS/ADM)
Ma. Teresita E. Herrera EdD (Filipino/GAS/Piling Larang)
Perlita M. Ignacio PhD (EsP)
Dulce O. Santos PhD (Kindergarten/MTB-MLE)
Teresita P. Tagulao EdD (Mathematics/ABM)
Printed in the Philippines by Department of Education – Schools Division of Pasig
City

2
 English 9
Quarter 4
Self-Learning Module 14
Fundamentals of a Play (Basic Terms)

3
Introductory Message

For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the English 9 Self-Learning Module on Fundamentals of a Play

(Basic Terms)!

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and

independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims
to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely:
Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while
taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

4
 For the Learner:

Welcome to the English 9 Self-Learning Module on Fundamentals of a Play

(Basic Terms)!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to

perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest - This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.

5
 EXPECTATIONS

This is your self-instructional learner module in English 9. All the activities

provided in this lesson will help you learn and understand the technical terms used
in a play (drama and theater).

Specifically, you will learn to identify technical terms in a play and, effectively
use technical terms for specific purposes.

PRETEST
Identify what is described in the following. Encircle the letter of your answer.
1. This character forces change or creates conflict for the protagonist.
A. Antagonist B. Stage Manager C. Director D. Hero

2. An interview for a particular role or job as a singer, actor, dancer, or musician,

consisting of a practical demonstration of the candidate's suitability and skill.
A. Call back B. Audition C. Rehearsal D. Run through

3. A long speech said by a single actor to themselves, the audience, or to another

character.
A. Dialogue B. Soliloquy C. Monologue D. Ad lib

4. The area of the stage that is the closest to the audience.

A. Downstage B. Upstage C. Centerstage D. Full front

5. Movement from one area of the stage to another.

A. Blocking B. Cross C. Pantomime D. Cue

6
 RECAP

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedi http://gayberkshires.blogspot.com/2010/02
a:WikiProject_Elizabethan_theatre /colonials-romeo-and-juliet-is-rare.html

What do the pictures remind you of? Play, that’s right. Shakespeare
undoubtedly is considered the greatest playwright of all time. 1 But what is a play?
From your previous lesson, you have learned that a play is “a piece of writing
(literature) which can be seen at a theatre or on television, or heard on the radio.
Plays often show conversations between people. A play is usually watched, rather
than being read.” 2

LESSON

Before delving deep into dramatic and theatrical performances, it is important

for a beginner like you to understand the basics of a play. Just like any other field,
the world of plays has its own jargon. Understanding the language of play will help
you become a better stage actor. In this lesson you will learn the basic terms which
are specifically the theater, stage, text, cast, rehearsal,3

The Theater
Orchestra: The section of seats closest to the stage, on the main floor of the
theater. These are often the most prized and expensive seats in the theater.

1
The Famous People. <https://www.thefamouspeople.com/dramatists-playrights.php.> [accessed 12 January,
2021]
2
Play. <https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Play_(theatre)>[accessed 12 January, 2021]
3
60+ Theater Terms Every Actor Should Know. 1 Apr 2020. Mercant, JV. Backstage. <
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/theater-terms-every-actor-know-4975/> [accessed14, January
2021]

7
 Mezzanine: The second seating tier, usually overhanging the orchestra at its
midpoint. Not quite as large as the orchestra, front mezz seats are preferred seating
for many theater-goers as they allow you to be close to the action while taking in a
more complete stage picture.
Balcony: The third tier of
seating, located farthest from the
stage. The “cheap seats,” usually
the most inexpensive in the house.
Orchestra Pit: A lowered
area located directly between the
stage and the orchestra section
where the musicians
perform. https://www.flickr.com/photos/cjsmithphotography/680722919
8
Boxes: Tiered-seating located close to and on either side of the stage.

House: The audience area.

The Stage
The Fourth Wall: An invisible dividing “wall” between the stage and audience.
Actors will sometimes “break the fourth wall” and interact with or speak directly to
the audience.
Proscenium: The most traditional stage set-up. The stage is removed from
the audience and framed by an arch that separates it from the audience.
Thrust: A stage that protrudes directly into the audience, shattering the
fourth wall, and allowing seating on three sides of the stage.
In the Round: A circular playing space in which the audience completely
surrounds the playing space and the performers.
Environmental/Site Specific: Transforming the house into a location that
directly supports the action of the piece by removing or adding tables and chairs,
and adding a thrust stage.
Directions: Standing on the stage facing the audience, your right is stage
right, your left is stage left. Center stage is exactly that and it’s the most prominent
spot onstage. Downstage center is as close as you can get to the audience from
the center-most position of the stage. From the house, your right is stage left and
your left is stage right!

Upstage: The area of the stage that is the farthest from the audience.
Downstage: The area of the stage that is the closest to the audience.
Stage Right: The right side of the stage from the actor’s point of view (facing
the audience.)
Stage Left: The left side of the stage from the actor’s point of view (facing
the audience.)

8
 Center: Center of the stage.

Full Front: Facing the audience.

Full Back: Facing away from the audience.

Cross: Movement from one area of the stage to another.

Wings: The areas to the left and right of the stage out of view to the audience. A part
of the backstage area.

Apron: The usually curved area of the stage closest to the audience.
Backstage/Offstage: Usually the entire stage area not visible to the audience.
Backdrop: The drop farthest upstage in most settings. May also be a large curtain,
sometimes with a picture or design.

Curtain Line: The imaginary line across the stage floor which follows the line of he
front curtain.
Fly Loft: The are above the stage where curtains and set pieces are stored and
hidden during a production.

Grand Drape/Main Rag: The front, often decorative, curtain of a stage.

Legs: Narrow curtains in the wings to mask the backstage areas.

Cyclorama: A large, usually white, curtain that is lit to create setting and masks the
back of the stage behind the set.
Trap: An opening in the stage floor for actors to pass through to make entrances and
exits.
Platforms: Wooden units joined together to build the floors for a stage setting.

Flats: Muslin or plywood covered frames used to build the walls of a stage setting.
Props: Small hand- held items used by actors to create the period, character or
setting.

Costumes: The clothing worn by the actors that helps determine character, time,
theme and mood.

9
Mask: A term used which means “to hide.” Also, a covering for an actor’s face that
disguises or changes their character; often is made of leather, plastic or paper
maché.

Dark: A time when all lights are out or the theater is closed

The Text
The Play: A story written specifically for the stage, usually containing one or more
characters, dialogue, and a story arc.
Initial Incident: The first major important event in a play from which the rest of
the play develops.
Exposition: The explanation of who, what, when, where, why of a play.
Preliminary Situation: The story of the play as the curtain rises.

Given Circumstances: The who, what, when, where, why of the play or scene or
character
Climax: The major event in a play, the turning point of the story.
Rising Action: The series of events following the initial incident. How the story
builds towards its climax.
Falling Action/Denouement: The series of events following the climax.
Conclusion: The final outcome of the play. Theme/Message/Purpose/Moral:
What the play as a piece of art is trying to say to the audience.

Setting: Where the play occurs in terms of time and place

Catharsis: a purgation of emotions. According to Aristotle, the end of tragedy is
the purgation of emotions through pity and
terror.
Dramatic irony: the words or acts of a character
may carry a meaning unperceived by the
character but understood by the audience. The
irony resides in the contrast between the
meaning intended by the speaker and the
different significance seen by others.
Foil: any character in a play who through
contrast underscores the distinctive
characteristics of another, particularly the
protagonist.
Hamartia: tragic flaw
Hubris: overweening pride or insolence that results in the misfortune of the
protagonist of a tragedy. Hubris leads the protagonist to break a moral law,
attempt vainly to transcend normal limitations, or ignore a divine warning with
calamitous results.

10
 Peripeteia/reversal: reversal of fortune for the protagonist--from failure to
success or success to failure
The Musical: Similar to a play, only it employs music to aid in the storytelling.
Pantomime: A story or action performed with out words relying on body language.

Book: The script of the musical: characters, dialogue, etc.

Lyrics: The words to the song. Sometimes, this is also the book writer or the
composer or a combination of all of the above.
Script: A complete scene or play in a format to be produced by the actors and
directors.

Act: An organizational division in scripts.

Scene: An organizational division in scripts. Often several scenes make
up an ACT

Dialogue: Written conversation

Monologue: A long speech said by a single actor to themselves, the
audience, or to another character.
Soliloquy: A long speech said by a single actor to themselves or the
audience, but not to another character
Ad lib: Lines made up by an actor to fill in where there would be an
undesirable pause due to dropped lines, technical problems, etc.
Aside: Lines said to the audience that other actors onstage are not
supposed to be hearing.

The Cast

Leading Actor: The main

character, protagonist.
Tragic hero: According to
Aristotle, the protagonist or
hero of a tragedy must be
brought from happiness to
misery and should be a
person who is better than
ordinary people--a king, for
example.
Stock character:
conventional character types
whom the audience recognizes immediately.
Supporting/Character Actor: A secondary character whose role is to support or
conflict with the lead.

11
Ensemble: Sometimes called “the chorus,” members of the ensemble are called
upon to sing, dance, and play smaller roles in a musical.
Understudy: Usually a member of the ensemble, this actor will be responsible for
learning the part of a leading or supporting actor.
Swing: Usually off-stage, the swing is a multi-talented performer who’s responsible
for learning many ensemble tracks so that they can “swing on” when someone is ill,
injured, or missing the performance for any reason.
Stand-By: An off-stage cover for the lead or star of a show, a standby is usually not
in the show but must check-in at the half-hour.

Rehearsal and Commands

Call Time: The time you have to show up for rehearsal or performance, as dictated
by your SM.
Blocking: The path the actors take onstage as decided upon by the actor and
director, and notated by the SM.
Breaks: Actors are required to receive a five-
minute break after 55 minutes of rehearsal
or a 10-minute break after 80 minutes of
rehearsal.
Auditions: Readings before a director to
determine casting of a play.
Call Backs: An additional audition for the
final actors being considered. This is similar
with the semifinals in sports.
Clear the Stage: A direction given to all
actors, musicians, and technicians to leave
the stage area prior to the beginning of a
play.
Places: The direction for all actors, musicians, and technicians to go to their proper
position and be ready for the beginning of a play or scene.
Strike: Taking down, changing out and putting away costumes, props and sets after
a production.
Run Through: An uninterrupted rehearsal of a scene, act, or the entire play.
Curtain Call/Bows: The carefully choreographed appearance of actors on stage after
the performance to acknowledge the applause of the audience.

Heads Up!: A term of warning used to call attention to overhead danger.

Take the Stage: What an actor does when they take control of the scene or take
focus of the audience.

12
Focus: Where the director wants the audience to look. The actors point of
concentration.
Volume: The actor’s ability to be heard by the audience.
Cue: The last words or actions indicating the time for another actor to speak or move.

Pick up Cues: A direction for the actor to begin responding immediately without
allowing any lapse time.
Cheating: Using a movement or position that may not be realistic but allows the
audience to see the action more clearly.

Guided Practice

Plot the movement of the actor across the stage. Use image like this to indicate
the direction the actor is facing. Follow the instructions given below. Refer to the list
of terms in this module.

1. Actor stand DR facing stage left (SL).

2. Actor moves UC facing full front (FF)
3. Actor moves UR facing stage right (SR)
4. Actor moves DL facing center (C)
5. Actor stand C facing full front (FF)

Your answer should look like this:

13
 3 2

You have to remember that the upstage (upper right, upper left and upper
center) is the part of the stage farthest from the audience, and the downstage
(down right, down left, down center) is closest to the audience.

On the audience perspective, right is the stage left, while left is the stage right.

Activity 1
Match the item in Column A with its meaning in Column B. Write the letter of the
answer on the space before the number.

A B

_______1. Overweening pride or insolence that A. Blocking

results in the misfortune of the protagonist of
a tragedy. B. Dialogue
_______2. A long speech said by a single actor
to themselves, the audience, or to another C. Hubris
character.
_______3. An additional audition for the final D. Call Back
actors being considered. This is similar with
the semifinals in sports. E. Monologue
_______4. The set movement of all the actors
onstage throughout the play. F. Catharsis
_______5. A purgation of emotions. According
to Aristotle, the end of tragedy is the purgation
of emotions through pity and terror.

14
Activity 2

Label the numbered portion of the stage. Use the code for the stage parts: CS-
center stage, DR-downstage right, DC-downstage center, DL-downstage left,
RS- right stage, LS-left stage, UR-upstage right, UC- upstage center, UL-
upstage left, A- apron.

7
4 6

8 5
2

9 10 3

1. __________ 6. ___________
2. __________ 7. ___________
3. __________ 8. ___________
4. __________ 9. ___________
5. __________ 10. __________

WRAP-UP

Choose any musical or theatrical presentation you have watched. List down
at least five elements that caught your attention. Explain your answer briefly.
1._________________________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________________________
4._________________________________________________________________________
5._________________________________________________________________________

15
 VALUING

Try to relate the message of the quoted statement below with any part of the
lesson that has been discussed in this module.

Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for

success.
- Napoleon Hill

POSTTEST

Identify what suits the situation. Encircle the letter of your answer.4
1. If an actor, when following the directions in a play, is about to exit stage
left, in which direction will that person go?
a. Downstage
b. Upstage
c. Left/Right
d. Apron

2. Who is the antagonist in a play?

a. The character who always dies.
b. The jester
c. The opposing role to that of the main character
d. The minor character

3. What is the “resolution” to a play?

a. The introduction of the main issue in the play
b. The dialogue had to be altered.
c. The conclusion one way or another of the main issue
d. The introduction of the heroine.

4. If you have been given a supporting role in theatre, how would you define
it?
a. Your role will be subsidiary to those of the main character’s.

4
Exit Stage Left: Fun Trivia. https://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz3680612a225a0.html [accessed 13
January 2021]

16
 b. Your role calls for a suit of armor to be worn.
c. You will have to wear a corset.
d. You will be on crutches.

5. If the director announces, "curtain call", what does he mean?

a. The stage manager calls through the curtain.
b. The presentation of the cast at the end of a play.
c. The props manager changes the curtains.
d. The work of the wardrobe crew

17
 KEY TO CORRECTION

10. DC
9. DR
8. SR
7. UL
6. UC
5. B 5. SL 5. F 5.B
4. A 4. UR 4. A 4.A
3. C 3. DL 3. D 3.C
2. C 2. CS 2. E 2.B
1. C 1. A 1. C 1.A
Posttest Activity 2 Activity 1 Pretest

References
The Famous People. <https://www.thefamouspeople.com/dramatists-
playrights.php.> [accessed 12 January, 2021]
Play. <https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Play_(theatre)>[accessed 12
January, 2021]
Common Theater Terms.
<https://www.sewanhakaschools.org/cms/lib/NY01001491/Centrici
ty/Domain/2088/TheatreTerms3.pdf>[accessed 12 January, 2021]
Exit Stage Left: Fun Trivia.
https://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz3680612a225a0.html [accessed
13 January 2021]
60+ Theater Terms Every Actor Should Know. 1 Apr 2020. Mercant, JV.
Backstage. < https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/theater-
terms-every-actor-know-4975/> [accessed14, January 2021]

18