10

ARTS

QUARTER 4 – MODULE 1
MELCs:
• Explains how an idea or theme is communicated in a selected
performance through the integration of musical sounds, songs,
dialogue
 and dance; and
• Analyzes examples of plays based on theatrical
forms, and elements of
art as applied to performance.

PART I.

A. INTRODUCTION
Art, in its broadest sense, is a form of communication. It means whatever the artist intends it to mean,
and this meaning is shaped by the materials, techniques, and forms it makes use of, as well as the ideas and
feelings it creates in its viewers. Art is an act of expressing feelings, thoughts, and observations. It is
essential to study and learn art further in order to comprehend its meaning, purpose, goal, intention, and
structure. By that, you can appreciate art by experiencing it with your life- for art is our culture.

In this lesson, you are going to learn theatrical forms of arts and the elements of arts as applied to
performance. You may also learn how to integrate musical sounds, songs, dialogue and dance in order to
create theatrical plays or what we call performing arts.

1
B. DISCUSSION The Performing Arts

The performing arts is one of the cultural means through which the aspirations, the disappointments,
the joys, and the pitfalls of life, and its most universal meanings are translated and transmitted to us
continually. Theater is one of the major art forms that brings together all the other art forms-from painting
and sculpture, to installation art, to music, to dance, to literature, even to computer arts-in a single
production. A story is acted out on stage (or other performance area) by actors portraying the characters,
bringing them to life and developing the plot through dialogue and actions, and sometimes through song
and/or dance.
Contributing to the vivid theater experience are the stage sets and props, the lighting, the background
music and sound effects, the costumes and accessories. In recent decades, computer generated visual effects
and mechanized sets have been incorporated as well.
To be able to clearly understand how performing art is designed, let’s go back to the basic; The
Elements of Arts.
Elements of arts as applied in theater

Elements of Arts Definition Applied in theater

1. Line A path created by a moving point, Using the lines, helps determine the
mark or object. stage movement.

2. Shape A two-dimensional (2D), flat Shapes can be used in knowing where

enclosed area. When a line crosses to block a person.
itself, it creates a shape.

3. Space The element of art refers to the Space can determine the whole set’s
emptiness or the area around or appearance.
within objects.

4. Color The element of art derived from Colors used can determine the mood of
reflected or absorbed light. the production.

5. Texture How something feels or looks like Texture can give either a realistic or
it would feel if you could touch it. artificial impression on the play
production.

6. Form Objects having three dimensions Body form is a crucial part to

(3D), or height, width and depth. communicate a role/character to the
audience.

7. Value The lightness and darkness of an The light can reveal the presence of the
artwork or object. actor, objects or any form on the stage.
More importantly light reveals the
mood of the play.

2
 Elements of Arts as Applied to an original Performances
There's a lot to think about when planning to stage a drama. Here are the combinations of elements of
arts appropriate to produce successful theatrical performances.
1. Sound and Music
Music and sound aren’t just used in musicals. Live or recorded music can add a lot to a dramatic
production. Music and sound effects can be used to: a.) create mood and atmosphere; b.) build tension;
c.) strengthen an emotion or empathize the action onstage; d.) help set the scene; e.) indicate a change of
time or location; f.) focus attention on to a particular
character
2. Gesture, Movement, and Dance
What’s most effective in terms of visual impact is
the choice of movement and must take into account not
only the feelings of a character at any given moment in a
play. A gesture is a defined movement which clearly
communicates meaning. Shaking a fist communicates
anger, a curled finger beckoning means ‘come here’ and
Fig. 1:
Millennials (Philippine
Theater) blowing a kiss is an affectionate gesture. Used with effective http://surl.li/tndv body
language and facial expression, gesture can be powerful in communicating emotion.
3. Costume, Mask, Makeup, and Accessories

Costume is what the actors wear when

performing. It can denote character, historical era and
the style of the production. It’s important to consider
the type of costume that best suits your work and also
how easy it is to change from one costume to the next.
Costume is often used to help communicate a
character’s personality.
Bright stage lighting can wash out facial features and make

Fig. 2: Ibalong http://surl.li/tndt performers appear pale, so make-up is used to enhance features
and make sure that the audience can see the actors’ facial
expressions. It can also be used to age an actor who is playing an older character or to create fantasy
characters.
A mask hides part or all of the face. Most modern western productions don’t use masks, but some
genres of work still do. If you’re using masks in your performance, remember that your facial
expressions can’t be seen so: a.) your body language has to be extremely clear; b.) your movement and
gestures need to be exaggerated to show emotions; c.) you must bring your whole body into the
performance
3
 4. Voice
When using voice to explore a role or perform onstage you must think about: tone, volume, pitch,
pace, clarity, and projection. Remember though, that it isn’t just a matter of learning your lines. You
have to deliver them as though they’re being spoken for the first time with exactly the right shades of
meaning for what you are trying to convey. To achieve that, you will need to rehearse carefully, applying
the voice techniques to achieving your performance.
5. Lighting, Levels and Space
Using different heights or levels on stage creates visual interest. It can also help to ensure that
the audience see all of the action. Levels can be used to suggest status - meaning the power or
authority
one character has over another. It’s important to consider what the use of levels suggests when staging
a scene.
The space where the actors perform is referred to as the stage.
The way the space is used and space between characters
onstage often says something about their relationships and
emotions. This is called proxemics. Some places on the stage
are stronger than others and draw focus to the action more
effectively.
Fig. 3: Rak of Aegis Stage Design
http://surl.li/tndp
Stage lighting has a variety of functions such as: a.) indicating time or location; b.) being used in

an abstract or symbolic way to communicate a message; c.) being used to direct the audience focus
towards a particular character or section of action; d.) creating mood and atmosphere to enhance a play
and the audience’s experience of it.

C. READINGS The Evolution of Philippine Theater

The performances we see today are mere products of

the cultures that have influenced the country through the
years.
Let’s take a look at how the history of Philippine theatre has
evolved.
• Pre-colonial Time
During the pre-historic times, theater in the Fig. 4: Cultural Center of the Philippines Philippines
http://surl.li/tnec
was in the form of indigenous rituals, verbal jousts or games, or songs and dances to
praise gods.

4
According to early chronicles, pre-historic dramas consisted of three elements – myth, mimesis, and
spectacle. These mimetic performances mostly dramatized primitive rituals and epic poetry about deities and
mythical legends, where the spirit of the deities would seemingly possess a catalonan (priest) or babaylan
(priestess). During this entranced state, the priest or priestess would consume the sacrificial offering, which
could be in the form of a pig, chicken, rice, wine, or nuts.
• Spanish Regime
When the Spaniards reached our shores, they used
dramas such as zarzuelas as a pedagogical tool to influence the
pagan tribes and teach them about Christianity and religion.
Another important form of theater popularized during the
Spanish colonization is the comedia, also known as moro-moro,
linambay, or arakyo. It’s a play in verse that portrays the lives,
loves, and wars of moros and Christians. Moro-Moro is a secular Fig. 5: Moro-moro http://surl.li/tneu
comedy that dramatizes the war between Christians and
Muslims through the forbidden love between the prince and the princess. Comedias were normally
performed in the pueblos or village centers to attract more people to the foundation of its regime. The first
Filipino comedia was performed in Latin and Spanish by Fr. Vicente Puche in Cebu in 1598.
On the other hand, a zarzuela is a form of musical theater that combines spoken word and song that
celebrates various Catholic liturgical feasts. Jugar Con Fuego by Francisco Asenjo Barbieri was the first
zarzuela introduced in the country in late 1878 or early 1879. By August 17, 1893, Teatro Zorilla, the home
of zarzuela, was inaugurated.
Throughout the 333 years of the Spanish regime, the Philippines was widely influenced by their
culture, tradition, and religion.
• American Colonization
When American colonial rule was established, the United
States introduced the American way of life through education,
media, and language. Their influence on Philippine theatre is
most apparent through the bodabil (vaudeville) and the plays
and dramas staged or translated into English.
In 1898, the first bodabil was produced by the Manila
Dramatic Guild for the sole purpose of entertaining American
soldiers and other Americans residing in Manila. It was also the
first theatrical performance since the revolution.
In the 1930s, the country was introduced to Broadway
Fig. 6: Bodabil http://surl.li/tner
theatre or stage plays through the westernized education that

5
was provided in most private schools for privileged children. Shakespearean tragedies and comedies, as well
as western classics, were performed in the original English or English adaptation.
• The Japanese Occupation
By the 1940s, when the Japanese took over the Philippines from the Americans, movie actors and
actresses could no longer appear in films, as the Japanese confiscated all film equipment. However, the
comedia, zarzuela, and bodabil remained in the country as forms of entertainment and expression.
Eventually, the bodabil evolved to become stage shows or variety shows with a short melodrama at
the end to accommodate the actors and actresses who moved their craft to bodabil and theatre. Venues such
as the Manila Grand Opera House and the Savoy Theatre
became homes of bodabil.
• Philippine Theatre as We Know It Today
After the Japanese occupation, the Philippine theatre has
evolved to become an amalgamation of the various influences
such that of the zarzuela, comedia, bodabil, and western
classics. Theatre was largely performed in English during the
time, as it became a large part of classroom education.
Meanwhile, zarzuelas such as “Ang Kiri”, “Dalagang Bukid”,
Fig. 7: West Side Story
and “Paglipis ng Dilim” became well-known beyond their
http://surl.li/tnet
regions.
By the 1950s, theatre had moved out of classrooms and the concept of paying for a ticket to see a
theatrical performance emerged. This “legitimate” theatre was held in closed theaters – these became events
in themselves, not just mere parts of a celebration or religious ritual. During this time, playwrights such as
Severino Montano, Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero, and Alberto S.
Florentino honed their crafts and contributed to the development of
performing arts in the Philippines.
Through the years, Philippine theatre groups have staged
numerous plays in both English and Filipino, be it written by a
Western or local playwright. Spanish culture and traditions largely
influence performing arts in the Philippines, but the contemporary
style is borrowed from the Americans. Classic shows such as The
Westside Story and Sound of Music made waves in recent years
when it took the local stage.
When it comes to theatre and performing arts, Filipinos are
Fig. 8: Sound of Music
http://surl.li/tnez never far behind.

6
D. Examples
Here are examples of Important Elements of Performing Arts that should be considered in order to
achieve a successful stage play. You may open the link to watch more videos.

Fig. 9: Stage Lightings Fig. 10: Stage Design http://surl.li/tnfm http://surl.li/tnfo

Fig. 12: Movement and dance onstage http://surl.li/tnfz

Fig. 11: Costumes, Make-ups and Accessories http://surl.li/tnfv

PART II. ACTIVITY PROPER

Activity No. 1 – PERFORMING ARTS WORD SEARCH

Directions: Loop the words in the puzzle below from the word bank regarding the performing arts.

P A B Z D A E I L P N A S H S
B R L J K M X E I U G J L S P
E D O T N O U Y G S S A R B A
L I G J T I 0 G H I L E S N C
S L E D E R U M T C D V T T E
7
 S I L L C C X U I J K J A L E
I M O T I U T S N L Y R G G V
D X D X O C L I G O M R E H A
E Y Y T V L G C O P Q S R R E
M Z A S X A Q R A N T K T J R
A K A S T L A G O U Z H P N U
C D X T M A Q D R N F R F X T
A B Z Z R Z U E L S I S V Z X
C A M P L E X E L P B C A S E
E M U T S O C A M I N O W X T
Activity No. 2 – WEB MAP OF ELEMENTS OF ARTS
Directions: Complete the web map below about the elements of arts as applied in theater. You can write in
your own words.

Elements of arts as
applied in theater

8
PART III. SUMMATIVE EVALUATION

A. Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer in a separate sheet of paper.

1. It is one of the cultural means through which the aspirations, the disappointments, the joys, and the
pitfalls of life, and its most universal meanings are translated and transmitted to us continually through
performances.
A. Digital Art B. Literature Art C. Performing Art D. Visual Art
2. It is one of the major art forms that brings together all the other art forms-from painting and sculpture,
to installation art, to music, to dance, to literature, even to computer arts-in a single production
A. Body Art B. Digital Art C. Literature D. Theater
3. What influenced theatrical performances of our country through the years?
A. Beliefs B. Culture C. Literature D. Values
4. Which of these is NOT one of the theater forms in the Philippines during the pre-historic times?
A. indigenous rituals C. stage plays
B. songs and dances to praise gods D. verbal jousts or games
5. When the Spaniards reached our shores, what was the pedagogical tool used to influence the pagan
tribes and teach them about Christianity and religion?
A. Bodabil B. indigenous rituals C. stage plays D. Zarzuelas
6. Which of these playwrights did not contribute to the development of performing arts in the
Philippines?
A. Antonio Luna B. Alberto S. Florentino C. Severino Montano D. Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero
7. It is an element of arts applied to theater that helps determine the stage movement.
A. Lines B. Shape C. Space D. Texture
8. It is a defined movement which clearly communicates meaning in theater plays.
A. Dance B. Gesture C. Stage D. Voice
9. Which of these is NOT one of the functions of lighting onstage?
A. It creates mood and atmosphere to enhance a play and the audience’s experience of it.
B. It helps to convey the audience through gesture.
C. It indicates time or location.
D. It is used in an abstract or symbolic way to communicate a message.
10. Which of these is NOT true about the functions of music and sound in theater plays? A. Denote
character, historical era and the style of the production.
B. Indicate a change of time or location.
C. Focus attention on to a particular character.
D. Strengthen an emotion or empathize the action onstage.

9
B. Directions: Write True if the underlined word completed the statement correctly and False if it is
incorrect.

________ 01. When using voice to explore a role or perform onstage you must think about: tone, volume,
pitch, pace, clarity, and projection.
________ 02. Using different heights or levels on stage creates painting interest.
________ 03. Costume is what the actors wear when performing.
________ 04. The space between characters onstage often says something about their relationships and
emotions. This is called movement.
________ 05. During the American colonization, their influence on Philippine theatre is most apparent
through the vaudeville.

C. Identifying the Elements of Arts

Directions: Look at the following images and analyze the picture by answering the question provided.
Points may vary according to the rubrics given below. (5 points each)

What element of arts is being shown in the following images below? Explain your answer.

Fig. 13: https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/your-access-pass-for-august-2020

1. ____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
10
 Fig. 14: http://www.purpleplumfairy.com/2018/09/rep-philippines-stagesrapunzel.html
2. ____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

RUBRIC (10 points)

CRITERIA
Writing Skill Accuracy of Content
Point-Rate

All ideas were presented in a logical
order. Introduction was clear, body
5 Outstanding included many details, and conclusion
summarized main idea. Writing flowed
smoothly throughout.
Ideas were presented in a logical order.
Introduction was clear, body included
4 Very Good
many details, and conclusion summarized
main idea.
Some ideas were presented in a logical
order. Introduction, body included many
3 Good
details, and conclusion were included.
Score
The given element of art/s is/are
correct and the information given
are complete and accurately
searched.
The given element of art/s is/are
correct but there is less
information given.
The given element of art/s is/are
correct but the information given is
incomplete and there is no
references.

Total Score
REFERENCES:

11
A. Books
Horizons
Deped Music and Arts Appreciation for Young Filipinos
B. Online and other source Theater
Crafts
https://www.theatrecrafts.com/pages/home/topics/stage-management/theatrical-style/
History of Philippine Theater
https://www.solaireresort.com/article/the-evolution-of-philippine-theatre
BBC-Drama Elements
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zqx3wmn/revision/1 Elements of
arts as applied in theater https://prezi.com/gsdvulsevadi/elements-of-
arts-as-applied-in-theater/ What is Art?
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-arthistory/chapter/what-is-
art
C. Figures
Fig. 1: Gestures
https://tou202philippinetheatrearts.wordpress.com/ Fig. 2: Ibalong
https://spotlighttheatre.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/stills-tanghalang-pilipinos-ibalong-the-musical/
Fig. 3: Rak of Aegis Stage Design https://wsd2017.com/exhibition/detail/?pid=1125 Fig. 4:
Cultural Center of the Philippines
https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/into-a-golden-age-celebrating-50-years-of-the-cultural-centre-of-
thephilippines
Fig.5: Moro-Moro
https://mishadaitacio.weebly.com/philippine-theater1.html
Fig. 6: Bodabil
https://www.facebook.com/AntoinetteNoir/photos/a.1786492551645119.1073741830.16149405221336
57/1786492578311783 Fig. 7: West Side Story
https://genius.com/albums/Stephen-sondheim/West-side-story-original-broadway-cast-recording
Fig. 8: Sound of Music
https://www.amazon.com/JIONK%C2%AE-Sound-Music-Movie-Poster/dp/B01F1WRV5I
Fig. 9: Stage Lightings https://interaksyon.philstar.com/lifestyle/2017/06/12/78448/a-night-
of-moving-stories-at-rep-
philippines-50th-anniversary-show/
Fig. 10: Stage Design
https://thetheatretimes.com/latest/worldwide/asia/philippines/ Fig. 11: Costumes, Make-ups
and Accessories https://theblissfulbloom.com/2018/08/30/rapunzel-rapunzel-a-very-hairy-
fairy-tale-by-repertory-
philippines/
Fig. 12: Movement and dance onstage
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/339909/dance-review-ballet-philippines-a-
christmas-carol-sets-the-season-in-motion/story/
Fig. 13: Dance production
https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/your-access-pass-for-august-2020
Fig. 14: Stage lightings
http://www.purpleplumfairy.com/2018/09/rep-philippines-stages-rapunzel.html

12