Theatre (Grades K–12)
Subtest 2 Sample Items
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Question 1
1. A lighting designer would like to give an actor a stark, skeletal appearance during a monologue. Which of the following diagrams represents the most effective plan angle for the designer to use?
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One arrow represents a side light coming from the left and one arrow represents a side light coming from the right.
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One arrow represents a side-front light coming from the left and directed at a 45-degree angle. One arrow represents a side-front light coming from the right and directed at a 45-degree angle. One arrow represents a back light.
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One arrow represents a side light coming from the left. One arrow represents a side light coming from the right. One arrow represents a back light. One arrow represents a front light.
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One arrow represents a side-front light coming from the left and directed at a 45-degree angle. One arrow represents a side-front light coming from the right and directed at a 45-degree angle.
Answer to question 1
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0009) Side lighting can be used to accentuate the contours of actors. Projecting light from both sides of the stage would reveal the form of an actor's body during a monologue. The actor's highlighted facial contours, especially the cheekbones, would result in a stark, skeletal appearance.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0009) Side lighting can be used to accentuate the contours of actors. Projecting light from both sides of the stage would reveal the form of an actor's body during a monologue. The actor's highlighted facial contours, especially the cheekbones, would result in a stark, skeletal appearance.
Question 2
2. Which of the following light cues would be possible to execute on most analog preset boards?
- cross-fading from one scene to another
- fading up the lights automatically over a 20-minute period
- changing the color, focus, and orientation of an intelligent fixture
- initiating a black out using a remote device
Answer to question 2
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0009) A preset board is the most basic type of lighting console, typically consisting of two matching fader banks that are manually set by the board operator. During a scene, the operator sets up the next cue and then uses a cross-fader to make the transition.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0009) A preset board is the most basic type of lighting console, typically consisting of two matching fader banks that are manually set by the board operator. During a scene, the operator sets up the next cue and then uses a cross-fader to make the transition.
Question 3
3. A director would like a character's first appearance to be as a shadowy outline in a doorway. The best way for a lighting designer to create this effect is by using:
- sidelight.
- downlight.
- backlight.
- three-point light.
Answer to question 3
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0009) Backlighting can be used to illuminate an actor from behind and create a stark silhouette. It is a bold effect that would most likely be used to light works with expressionistic or other nonrealistic qualities.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0009) Backlighting can be used to illuminate an actor from behind and create a stark silhouette. It is a bold effect that would most likely be used to light works with expressionistic or other nonrealistic qualities.
Question 4
4. A sound designer wants to adjust the quality of a show's sound to make it sound like the characters are speaking in an empty cathedral. Which of the following adjustments would best achieve this effect?
- lowering the amplification
- using a compressor
- increasing the reverberation time
- adding two or more subwoofers
Answer to question 4
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0009) Sound designers use reverberation effects to mimic the quality of speaking in different interior spaces. Although the effects of reverberation are often subtle, a large space such as an empty cathedral would have a long enough reverberation time to create a noticeable echo.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0009) Sound designers use reverberation effects to mimic the quality of speaking in different interior spaces. Although the effects of reverberation are often subtle, a large space such as an empty cathedral would have a long enough reverberation time to create a noticeable echo.
Question 5
5. When a sound designer changes the decibel level of amplified sound, the designer is changing which of the following physical properties of the sound?
- the height of the sound waves
- the duration of the sound waves
- the length of the sound waves
- the speed of the sound waves
Answer to question 5
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0009) Sound is produced when vibrations travel through a medium, such as air, in waves that are made up of areas where the waves are compressed and areas where they are expanded. Decibels are used to measure the loudness of a sound. The louder a sound is, the bigger the amplitude, or height, of the sound waves. Amplitude reflects the extent to which air particles are displaced by the height of the wave as it passes through air.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0009) Sound is produced when vibrations travel through a medium, such as air, in waves that are made up of areas where the waves are compressed and areas where they are expanded. Decibels are used to measure the loudness of a sound. The louder a sound is, the bigger the amplitude, or height, of the sound waves. Amplitude reflects the extent to which air particles are displaced by the height of the wave as it passes through air.
Question 6
6. A set designer is constructing a living room set for a play that takes place during the Victorian era. Which of the following construction elements would most effectively define the time period?
- the shape of the decorative molding
- the color of the paint
- the type of wood used for the flats
- the height of the walls
Answer to question 6
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0010) Victorian-era architecture featured elaborate exterior trim and decorative interior moldings, among many other characteristics. A living room set would include decorative molding for verisimilitude with the Victorian style.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0010) Victorian-era architecture featured elaborate exterior trim and decorative interior moldings, among many other characteristics. A living room set would include decorative molding for verisimilitude with the Victorian style.
Question 7
7. A scenic designer would like to experiment with projected scenery. This approach would be most effective for a show with which of the following characteristics?
- a single interior set
- numerous vividly realized settings
- a traditional vaudeville style
- arena staging
Answer to question 7
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0010) Projected scenery offers a good solution for shows that require multiple highly detailed, fantastical, or hyperrealistic settings. More and more often, playwrights are creating work that ignores the limitations of theatre, in favor of challenging directors and designers to find inventive solutions. Projected scenery is one way of meeting this challenge.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0010) Projected scenery offers a good solution for shows that require multiple highly detailed, fantastical, or hyperrealistic settings. More and more often, playwrights are creating work that ignores the limitations of theatre, in favor of challenging directors and designers to find inventive solutions. Projected scenery is one way of meeting this challenge.
Question 8
8. Which of the following scenic design choices most utilizes the design principle of emphasis?
- building an upstage wall out of boards arranged in a crosshatch pattern
- painting the floor to give it the appearance of old linoleum
- hanging wallpaper with a muted floral design
- placing an oversize object in the foreground or center of the stage
Answer to question 8
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0010) The design principle of emphasis is used to draw the audience's attention to a particular section of the stage. Placing an oversize object in the foreground or center of the stage achieves emphasis through both the scale and position of the object. Another way to create emphasis is by contrasting one bright color or tone against a darker or more subdued palette.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0010) The design principle of emphasis is used to draw the audience's attention to a particular section of the stage. Placing an oversize object in the foreground or center of the stage achieves emphasis through both the scale and position of the object. Another way to create emphasis is by contrasting one bright color or tone against a darker or more subdued palette.
Question 9
9. A set designer needs to create a setting that can transform instantaneously between two scenes as a character's mood shifts back and forth. Which of the following set elements would be most effective for that purpose?
- flats
- drapes
- scrims
- drops
Answer to question 9
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0010) A scrim is a special type of fabric, or gauze, that allows light to pass through it. When lit from the front, it appears opaque, revealing scenic elements painted on the fabric. Lit from behind, it becomes transparent and reveals scenic elements hidden behind it when it is front-lit. In this way, a painted scrim can be used to create different settings and scenes with the quickness of a lighting change.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0010) A scrim is a special type of fabric, or gauze, that allows light to pass through it. When lit from the front, it appears opaque, revealing scenic elements painted on the fabric. Lit from behind, it becomes transparent and reveals scenic elements hidden behind it when it is front-lit. In this way, a painted scrim can be used to create different settings and scenes with the quickness of a lighting change.
Question 10
10. A set designer would like to choose an overall color scheme that will contribute to a sense of empathy for the characters. Which of the following colors would best suit this purpose?
- green
- orange
- blue
- brown
Answer to question 10
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0010) Warm colors—red, yellow, and orange—visually advance toward the viewer and tend to prompt feelings of comfort and empathy, depending on a number of variables, such as the shape of the colors and lighting.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0010) Warm colors—red, yellow, and orange—visually advance toward the viewer and tend to prompt feelings of comfort and empathy, depending on a number of variables, such as the shape of the colors and lighting.
Question 11
11. A makeup designer would most likely use stippling to achieve which of the following effects?
- angularity of the jawbone
- slight curvature of the nose
- rough skin on the hands
- high arches in the eyebrows
Answer to question 11
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0011) In makeup design, stippling refers to dotting or pressing makeup onto the skin—rather than stroking it on—with a sponge or brush. Stippling can be used to create a rough implied skin texture, which would achieve the effect of rough skin on hands.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0011) In makeup design, stippling refers to dotting or pressing makeup onto the skin—rather than stroking it on—with a sponge or brush. Stippling can be used to create a rough implied skin texture, which would achieve the effect of rough skin on hands.
Question 12
12. A makeup designer is using crepe hair to create a false beard. Which of the following techniques should the designer use to help give the beard a realistic appearance?
- wetting the crepe hair and letting it dry on the actor's face
- mixing crepe hair strands of three or more tones or colors
- cutting the crepe hair into half-inch strips before applying on the actor's face
- using fabric markers or paints to add highlights to the crepe hair
Answer to question 12
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0011) Most people's facial hair is a natural blend of several tones and colors. Some hairs are darker, some are lighter, and after a certain age, varying amounts of gray appears. Blending tones and colors when creating a false beard helps assure that the beard will have a vivid, lifelike appearance.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0011) Most people's facial hair is a natural blend of several tones and colors. Some hairs are darker, some are lighter, and after a certain age, varying amounts of gray appears. Blending tones and colors when creating a false beard helps assure that the beard will have a vivid, lifelike appearance.
Question 13
13. A costume designer is working on a design for a play that requires a casual, contemporary style of dress. Which of the following options would be the most effective use of time and money?
- building the costumes from raw materials
- purchasing costume pieces from thrift stores and discount retailers
- renting the costumes from a theatrical costume house
- pulling older costume pieces from stock and adapting them to today's styles
Answer to question 13
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0011) Costume designers rarely build or rent clothing pieces that are casual and contemporary. Most of these pieces can be found at retail or thrift stores at prices that will fit into a modest production budget.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0011) Costume designers rarely build or rent clothing pieces that are casual and contemporary. Most of these pieces can be found at retail or thrift stores at prices that will fit into a modest production budget.
Question 14
14. A makeup designer is working on a musical that takes place in the 1970s. Which of the following research techniques would be most helpful for preparing this design?
- looking at a wide variety of photographs of people from the period
- interviewing family members about makeup they remember wearing during that time
- watching a recent film that is set during the period
- reading a book titled Fads and Fashions of the 20th Century
Answer to question 14
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0011) Photography is a primary resource to makeup designers working on shows set in recent decades. Photographs can provide visual information on the types, colors, and uses of makeup during a particular time or among a particular group of people.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0011) Photography is a primary resource to makeup designers working on shows set in recent decades. Photographs can provide visual information on the types, colors, and uses of makeup during a particular time or among a particular group of people.
Question 15
15. Which of the following elements of a costume design is most affected by the period in which a show is set?
- silhouette
- texture
- color
- materials
Answer to question 15
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0011) While period influences many elements of a costume design, the silhouette is the element that changes most dramatically from one period to another. From the stiff neck ruff of Elizabethan court costumes to the exaggerated profile of Victorian-period dresses, each shape is distinct from those that came before and after.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0011) While period influences many elements of a costume design, the silhouette is the element that changes most dramatically from one period to another. From the stiff neck ruff of Elizabethan court costumes to the exaggerated profile of Victorian-period dresses, each shape is distinct from those that came before and after.
Question 16
16. A costume designer is creating costumes for two characters who represent different levels of social sophistication. The designer creates costumes of similar design for both characters but chooses smooth chiffon fabric for the dress of one character and a rough-textured muslin fabric for the other. The different textures of the fabrics would most contribute to defining the two characters in which of the following ways?
- locating each character in time and place
- revealing each character's emotional state
- suggesting the age of each character
- affecting each character's movements
Answer to question 16
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0011) Different fabrics contribute a range of qualities to the costumes made from them. The texture of a costume influences how it moves in response to an actor's movements on stage. A light, flowing fabric such as chiffon will move with a fluid quality that can reinforce a sense of gracefulness in the character. A heavy muslin has a rougher texture and will remain more stiff as an actor moves, which would likely create a sense of restraint or awkwardness.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0011) Different fabrics contribute a range of qualities to the costumes made from them. The texture of a costume influences how it moves in response to an actor's movements on stage. A light, flowing fabric such as chiffon will move with a fluid quality that can reinforce a sense of gracefulness in the character. A heavy muslin has a rougher texture and will remain more stiff as an actor moves, which would likely create a sense of restraint or awkwardness.
Question 17
17. Which of the following responsibilities would most appropriately belong to the stage manager of a theatrical production?
- supervising each aspect of set construction
- training the ushers
- communicating the production concept to the designers
- maintaining the prompt book
Answer to question 17
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0012) The stage manager has many responsibilities but ultimately is tasked with ensuring that the director's artistic decisions are realized during performance. The prompt book, also known simply as "the book," is the stage manager's master copy of the script. It also contains any relevant information to help the production run smoothly, including blocking information and cues.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0012) The stage manager has many responsibilities but ultimately is tasked with ensuring that the director's artistic decisions are realized during performance. The prompt book, also known simply as "the book," is the stage manager's master copy of the script. It also contains any relevant information to help the production run smoothly, including blocking information and cues.
Question 18
18. Which of the following tasks requires crew members to empty their pockets as a safety precaution?
- dyeing a garment in the dye room
- taping down electrical wires
- installing a lighting instrument in the grid
- operating a revolve
Answer to question 18
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0012) Crew members should always empty their pockets before working from the grid or other elevated areas. Everyday objects such as key chains and cell phones can cause significant injury when dropped from above.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0012) Crew members should always empty their pockets before working from the grid or other elevated areas. Everyday objects such as key chains and cell phones can cause significant injury when dropped from above.
Question 19
19. In theatre production, a master carpenter's responsibilities typically include which of the following tasks?
- selecting and training the running crew for shows
- installing lighting instruments and cabling
- constructing props that cannot be rented or purchased
- supervising all elements of set construction
Answer to question 19
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0012) The master carpenter (or scene-shop foreman) works under the technical director and is responsible for the construction and installation of the scenery as well as the training and supervision of the shop's construction crew.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0012) The master carpenter (or scene-shop foreman) works under the technical director and is responsible for the construction and installation of the scenery as well as the training and supervision of the shop's construction crew.
Question 20
20. A site-specific performance space would be a good choice for a theatre company that needs access to primarily which of the following elements?
- excellent sight lines and acoustics
- an environment that closely supports the setting of the play
- advanced technical equipment
- an experienced staff to run the box office and front of house
Answer to question 20
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0012) Site-specific performance spaces are "found" spaces that were not designed for a theatrical purpose. While they lack most of the amenities of traditional theatre spaces, they provide a unique experience and an environment that can be closely matched to the setting of a play.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0012) Site-specific performance spaces are "found" spaces that were not designed for a theatrical purpose. While they lack most of the amenities of traditional theatre spaces, they provide a unique experience and an environment that can be closely matched to the setting of a play.
Question 21
21.The wings of a stage typically serve which of the following purposes?
- storing props and pieces of scenery to be used in the show
- housing the light boards and soundboards
- providing a place for actors to relax before the show
- offering a clearly lit exit for audience members who need to leave early
Answer to question 21
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0012) The wings are found on each side of a proscenium stage and are used for prop and scenery storage, as a work area for stagehands, and as a place for performers to prepare for their entrances. In addition, they often contain a fly system or other equipment related to the rigging of the scenery.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0012) The wings are found on each side of a proscenium stage and are used for prop and scenery storage, as a work area for stagehands, and as a place for performers to prepare for their entrances. In addition, they often contain a fly system or other equipment related to the rigging of the scenery.
Question 22
22. A raked stage has which of the following characteristics?
- a floor that slopes gently to provide the audience with a better view
- a runway section that opens sight lines for seating on the edges of the theatre
- a textured surface to help prevent actors from slipping and falling
- a series of platforms that create multiple performance areas within the stage
Answer to question 22
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0012) A raked stage is built on an angle that slopes slightly upward away from the audience, from downstage to upstage. The rise in the floor height improves the view for the audience and improves sound projection.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0012) A raked stage is built on an angle that slopes slightly upward away from the audience, from downstage to upstage. The rise in the floor height improves the view for the audience and improves sound projection.
Question 23
23. A theatrical company is using a black box theatre for a performance in which the director wishes to create a strong sense of intimacy between the actors and the audience. Which of the following seating arrangements for the audience would best contribute to this effect?
- arranging seats against two walls such that the seats create a triangular-shaped performance space
- placing rows of seats around all four walls leaving the center area open for the performance space
- arranging seats in small groupings that are scattered randomly in front of the performance space
- placing rows of seats into concentric half-circles that define an arch-shaped performance space
Answer to question 23
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0012) A black box theatre is a flexible performance space in which the relationship between performers and audience can be arranged to suit the needs of the production. It is generally an open space, and seating can be arranged in various configurations. Arranging seats so that the audience surrounds the performers creates a particularly intimate relationship because it removes the sense that there is a separation of the audience from the actors.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0012) A black box theatre is a flexible performance space in which the relationship between performers and audience can be arranged to suit the needs of the production. It is generally an open space, and seating can be arranged in various configurations. Arranging seats so that the audience surrounds the performers creates a particularly intimate relationship because it removes the sense that there is a separation of the audience from the actors.
Question 24
24. Using contracts when working with student actors and crew members in a high school theatre setting provides a director with primarily which of the following benefits?
- limiting the total number of rehearsals and performances
- helping participants gain points toward union membership
- setting expectations for professional behavior
- being able to pursue legal action for attendance violations
Answer to question 24
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0013) While it is unlikely that a contract used in a high school theatre setting would be legally enforceable, it provides a valuable tool for a director to establish that students will be treated as professionals and expected to act accordingly. A contract should outline exactly what is expected of actors, crew members, and the director during the production process.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0013) While it is unlikely that a contract used in a high school theatre setting would be legally enforceable, it provides a valuable tool for a director to establish that students will be treated as professionals and expected to act accordingly. A contract should outline exactly what is expected of actors, crew members, and the director during the production process.
Question 25
25. A playwright is working on a script inspired by Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire. Which of the following types of plays would be permissible under current copyright law?
- a sequel using the same characters
- a revised text that sets the play in the present day
- a spoof that parodies the original work
- a work that rearranges the dialogue to tell a new story
Answer to question 25
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0013) The Supreme Court has ruled that a work qualifies as fair use when it operates as a parody, using elements of the author's composition to create a new work that targets, mimics, or comments on the original.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0013) The Supreme Court has ruled that a work qualifies as fair use when it operates as a parody, using elements of the author's composition to create a new work that targets, mimics, or comments on the original.
Question 26
26. Which of the following elements of a licensed script can typically be altered by a theatre company without receiving permission from the playwright?
- scene order
- the dialogue of minor characters
- basic stage directions
- the gender of the roles
Answer to question 26
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0013) While playwrights and licensing agencies are rigid about many aspects of a production, one area in which they offer flexibility is with the basic stage directions. These theatre professionals understand that a company will sometimes need to make small changes based on the director's vision for the show and the limitations of the venue, set design, and production budget.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0013) While playwrights and licensing agencies are rigid about many aspects of a production, one area in which they offer flexibility is with the basic stage directions. These theatre professionals understand that a company will sometimes need to make small changes based on the director's vision for the show and the limitations of the venue, set design, and production budget.
Question 27
27. Crowdfunding allows arts organizations to directly increase which of the following sources of income?
- small donations from individuals
- grants from philanthropic organizations
- box office revenue
- state and federal funding
Answer to question 27
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0013) Increasingly, theatre companies and other arts organizations are turning to crowdfunding Web sites and apps to raise money. This type of fundraising relies on social media and word of mouth to generate publicity and offers incentives for individuals to donate at a variety of levels. The majority of a crowdfunding campaign's revenue comes from small donations of $25 or less.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0013) Increasingly, theatre companies and other arts organizations are turning to crowdfunding Web sites and apps to raise money. This type of fundraising relies on social media and word of mouth to generate publicity and offers incentives for individuals to donate at a variety of levels. The majority of a crowdfunding campaign's revenue comes from small donations of $25 or less.
Question 28
28. In which of the following circumstances could copyrighted dramatic material be performed by high school students without the need to seek permission from a publisher or author?
- An eight-minute scene from a published play is performed by students as part of a talent show intended to raise money for the school.
- Students direct, perform, and produce a published play that is staged for other students and faculty at the school.
- Scenes from three published plays are performed by students in class as part of an assignment designed to develop acting skills.
- A published play is performed at the school by professional actors and attended by students and parents.
Answer to question 28
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0013) Copyright laws protect artists by giving them the exclusive right to control the reproduction, distribution, performance, or display of their creative work. For a play, copyright protection includes the requirement to obtain permission, and likely pay a usage fee, for any performance of the work for an audience. One exception is the use of a published work in the course of face-to-face instructional activities in a nonprofit educational institution.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0013) Copyright laws protect artists by giving them the exclusive right to control the reproduction, distribution, performance, or display of their creative work. For a play, copyright protection includes the requirement to obtain permission, and likely pay a usage fee, for any performance of the work for an audience. One exception is the use of a published work in the course of face-to-face instructional activities in a nonprofit educational institution.
Question 29
29. A professional theatre company differs from an amateur theatre company in that an amateur company is more likely to:
- hire a producer to raise money for the production.
- use closed or private auditions to cast the play.
- stage productions during the winter months.
- pay lower royalties for producing a copyrighted play.
Answer to question 29
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0013) In theatre, royalty charges for a copyrighted play are in the form of a straight fee or a per-performance fee, with a higher rate for the first performance and a reduced rate for subsequent performances in the run. Amateur companies generally pay lower royalties than professional theatre companies, and professional companies may also pay a fee that is a percentage of gross profits.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0013) In theatre, royalty charges for a copyrighted play are in the form of a straight fee or a per-performance fee, with a higher rate for the first performance and a reduced rate for subsequent performances in the run. Amateur companies generally pay lower royalties than professional theatre companies, and professional companies may also pay a fee that is a percentage of gross profits.
Question 30
30. In film, the camera's angle and zoom directs the audience's view of each scene, whereas in theatre, the audience's view is directed primarily by the:
- lighting design.
- set design.
- costume design.
- sound design.
Answer to question 30
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0014) In theatre, the primary means of telling audience members where to direct their attention is the lighting design. Lighting can be used to place a spotlight on a particular actor, fade in and out between multiple stage areas, or indicate when a show is over.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0014) In theatre, the primary means of telling audience members where to direct their attention is the lighting design. Lighting can be used to place a spotlight on a particular actor, fade in and out between multiple stage areas, or indicate when a show is over.
Question 31
31. Which of the following steps in the production of a play most closely resembles the process used by scientists to conduct experiments?
- gathering the cast for a first read-through and discussing the meaning of the text
- holding preview performances and making adjustments based on audience response
- meeting with the design team and giving each designer a chance to present ideas
- developing a ground plan and blocking that creates physical tension on stage
Answer to question 31
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0014) In many ways, preview performances are theatre's closest approximation to the scientific method. They are an experiment in which the production team's hypothesis of what makes good theatre is finally tested in front of an audience. It is not uncommon for a show with an extended preview schedule to go through repeated cycles of experimentation before the script or the staging is finalized.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0014) In many ways, preview performances are theatre's closest approximation to the scientific method. They are an experiment in which the production team's hypothesis of what makes good theatre is finally tested in front of an audience. It is not uncommon for a show with an extended preview schedule to go through repeated cycles of experimentation before the script or the staging is finalized.
Question 32
32. The dream ballets used in the Golden Age of American musicals served which of the following purposes?
- revealing the subtext of the dialogue through song and dance
- providing a lively interlude between acts
- reimagining key themes and plot points though a fantastical lens
- showcasing the artistic range of the lead performers
Answer to question 32
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0014) A dream ballet is an all-dance production number found in classic American musicals that reflects on the themes, characters, and plot of a show using symbolism and fantastical elements. Dream ballets provided an opportunity for well-known choreographers to create dances that would have otherwise been dramatically inappropriate in the context of the show.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0014) A dream ballet is an all-dance production number found in classic American musicals that reflects on the themes, characters, and plot of a show using symbolism and fantastical elements. Dream ballets provided an opportunity for well-known choreographers to create dances that would have otherwise been dramatically inappropriate in the context of the show.
Question 33
33. A choreographer in dance is most equivalent to which of the following aspects of theatre?
- a director using space and time to express dramatic intent
- a stage manager cueing actors' stage entrances and exits during performance
- a dramaturg researching a play to understand its historical context
- a playwright revising dialogue based on watching rehearsals
Answer to question 33
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0014) A dance choreographer acts much like a theatre director in that both use performance space and time to express their dramatic intent. A choreographer designs the dance measures that dancers perform, and a theatre director collaborates with all members of the production to express the director's dramatic vision.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0014) A dance choreographer acts much like a theatre director in that both use performance space and time to express their dramatic intent. A choreographer designs the dance measures that dancers perform, and a theatre director collaborates with all members of the production to express the director's dramatic vision.
Question 34
34. A fifth-grade teacher guides students in an improvisational dramatic activity in which the students, who have been studying the Boston Tea Party, enact scenes related to the historical event. This dramatic role-play activity is most likely to promote the students' understanding of the historical event and era in which of the following ways?
- It engages and builds skills important in memorization and recall of information.
- It develops empathy for and insight into situations, behaviors, and perspectives.
- It fosters the use and understanding of verbal and nonverbal modes of communication.
- It promotes a positive attitude toward learning as an active, creative, and fun experience.
Answer to question 34
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0014) Dramatic role playing encourages participants to consider their perspectives about the people and events involved in the dramatized situation through the process of enacting a role and improvising responses. This activity encourages participants to stretch their own views and reflect on the behavior, situations, and personalities involved in the historical event, which in turn develops the students' empathy for choices made by historic individuals and insight into factors that influenced the historical event.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0014) Dramatic role playing encourages participants to consider their perspectives about the people and events involved in the dramatized situation through the process of enacting a role and improvising responses. This activity encourages participants to stretch their own views and reflect on the behavior, situations, and personalities involved in the historical event, which in turn develops the students' empathy for choices made by historic individuals and insight into factors that influenced the historical event.
Question 35
35. An actor's ability to gauge an audience's emotional response to a performance would most likely enhance the job performance of which of the following professionals?
- airplane pilot
- research scientist
- trial lawyer
- executive chef
Answer to question 35
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0015) In trial law, lawyers present their arguments before an audience of a judge and jury in a courtroom. An important part of a trial lawyer's job is to gauge the jury's emotional response to arguments that are presented—by the prosecution and defense—throughout the trial in order to make his or her argument as strong as it can be in the eyes of the jury.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0015) In trial law, lawyers present their arguments before an audience of a judge and jury in a courtroom. An important part of a trial lawyer's job is to gauge the jury's emotional response to arguments that are presented—by the prosecution and defense—throughout the trial in order to make his or her argument as strong as it can be in the eyes of the jury.
Question 36
36. Which of the following theatre-related positions provides organizational and practical support to the director, actors, and crew during the production process?
- managing director
- house manager
- artistic director
- stage manager
Answer to question 36
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0015) The stage manager of a theatrical production helps ensure that the director's artistic decisions are realized in performance. A stage manager's typical duties include recording blocking during rehearsals, communicating schedules and call times to actors and crew, and calling technical cues during performances.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0015) The stage manager of a theatrical production helps ensure that the director's artistic decisions are realized in performance. A stage manager's typical duties include recording blocking during rehearsals, communicating schedules and call times to actors and crew, and calling technical cues during performances.
Question 37
37. Which of the following skills developed in theatre directing is most applicable to a career in publishing?
- creating vivid stage pictures
- helping actors confront challenging emotions
- meeting production deadlines
- developing a ground plan to use in rehearsals
Answer to question 37
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0015) Theatre directors share a challenge faced by editors in coordinating the efforts of creative people to meet frequent and often inflexible deadlines. Like an editor, a director needs to be highly organized, assertive, and have impeccable communication skills to keep a production on schedule.
Correct Response: c. (Objective 0015) Theatre directors share a challenge faced by editors in coordinating the efforts of creative people to meet frequent and often inflexible deadlines. Like an editor, a director needs to be highly organized, assertive, and have impeccable communication skills to keep a production on schedule.
Question 38
38. A student who wants to perform on Broadway and at major regional theatres will most likely need to join which of the following professional organizations?
- American Guild of Variety Artists
- Actors' Equity Association
- Theatre Communications Group
- Associated Actors and Artistes of America
Answer to question 38
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0015) Actors' Equity Association is the American labor union that represents performers of live theatre. The other major performer unions are the AVGA, which represents performers in variety entertainment, and SAG-AFTRA, which represents performers in television, film, radio, Internet, and new media.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0015) Actors' Equity Association is the American labor union that represents performers of live theatre. The other major performer unions are the AVGA, which represents performers in variety entertainment, and SAG-AFTRA, which represents performers in television, film, radio, Internet, and new media.
Question 39
39. A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting would be a good degree choice for a student with which of the following goals?
- teaching performance studies at the college level
- finding a job that will support the pursuit of theatre as a hobby
- maximizing the number of elective courses outside of the major
- entering the field of professional theatre soon after graduation
Answer to question 39
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0015) The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting is a preprofessional degree that focuses on developing the skills of the working actor. Most BFA in Acting degrees require a fixed progression of courses within the major and a smaller amount of general liberal arts coursework.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0015) The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting is a preprofessional degree that focuses on developing the skills of the working actor. Most BFA in Acting degrees require a fixed progression of courses within the major and a smaller amount of general liberal arts coursework.
Question 40
40. Which of the following tasks is the primary responsibility of a dramaturg in a theatre company?
- writing and editing promotional and program-note materials
- developing original scripts for production
- researching and advising on the content and context of scripts
- coaching actors in dramatic expression
Answer to question 40
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0015) A dramaturg researches the context of a play, works with the director to develop and articulate the story, and provides an objective eye and creative input to the vision for a production. The role includes literary, cultural, and artistic analysis; involves working with the playwright, director, and actors; and may also involve developing program notes and audience outreach.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0015) A dramaturg researches the context of a play, works with the director to develop and articulate the story, and provides an objective eye and creative input to the vision for a production. The role includes literary, cultural, and artistic analysis; involves working with the playwright, director, and actors; and may also involve developing program notes and audience outreach.