Acting Basics Quiz

Abigail and Ethan are dazzling the audience on stage. Can you guess what the actor's left is called when they're facing the audience? It's (a)   !

• Stage Left

• Stage Right

• Upstage

• Downstage

Answer explanation

The term used to describe the actor's left when they are facing the audience is Stage Left, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Match the following characteristics with their corresponding posture in acting.

• Closed posture

• Relaxed shoulders

• Closed posture

• Looking down

• Open posture

• Facing away from the audience

• Closed posture

• Crossed arms

Answer explanation

Open posture in acting is characterized by relaxed shoulders, not crossed arms, facing away from the audience, or looking down.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Match the following character postures with how they might influence audience perception.

• Character jumps around with a big grin

• Makes the character appear approachable

• Character stands with arms crossed and a frown

• Makes the character appear defensive

• Character stands tall with a straight posture

• Makes the character appear confident

• Character smiles and waves at the audience

• Makes the character appear joyful

Answer explanation

Closed posture typically makes the character appear defensive, showing a guarded or protective stance on stage.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Luna and Evelyn are getting ready for their big performance in a play. An actor's main mission in a scene is (a)  

• The actor's costume
• The actor's goal or intention
• The actor's dialogue
• The actor's stage direction

Answer explanation

The actor's objective in a scene refers to their goal or intention, which drives their actions and performance. It is crucial for the actor to understand and portray this to create a compelling and authentic character.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Hey class! Aria, Mason, and Luna are putting on a show. Can you figure out which of the following is NOT a type of stage direction?

• Upstage

• Downstage

• Leftstage

• Centerstage

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Leftstage' because it is NOT a type of stage direction commonly used in theater productions.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Match the following reasons with why actors like Kai and Anika consider body language their secret superpower on stage.

• Controls stage illumination

• It helps actors remember their lines

• Chooses the soundtrack

• It determines the lighting on stage

• Expresses feelings and purposes silently

• It conveys emotions and intentions without words

• Assists in memorizing dialogue

• It sets the background music

Answer explanation

Body language is important in acting because it conveys emotions and intentions without words, allowing actors to effectively communicate with the audience.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

During a lively rehearsal, Avery and Liam are perfecting their roles in a thrilling play. Can you spot the stage direction when Avery dramatically moves towards the back of the stage, away from the audience? The stage direction is (a)   .

• Downstage

• Upstage

• Stage Left

• Stage Right

Answer explanation

The correct stage direction for an actor moving towards the back of the stage, away from the audience is 'Upstage'. Upstage refers to the area farthest from the audience.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Picture yourself at a lively party with Maya and Arjun. The posture that would make them seem more approachable and ready to mingle is (a)  

• Arms crossed, head down
• Arms open, facing the audience
• Back turned to the audience
• Hands in pockets, looking away

Answer explanation

The posture of arms open, facing the audience, would likely make a character seem more open and friendly compared to other options.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Imagine you're an actor like Anika or Mason. How might you use closed posture to add depth and intrigue to your performance?

• To show a character's confidence

• To show a character's vulnerability or defensiveness

• To show a character's happiness

• To show a character's excitement

Answer explanation

An actor might use closed posture to enhance their performance by showing a character's vulnerability or defensiveness.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Picture yourself as an actor like Zoe or Arjun, diving into a heart-pounding dramatic scene. What's your main mission?

• To entertain the audience

• To achieve their character's goal

• To follow the director's instructions

• To memorize their lines

Answer explanation

The primary objective of an actor in a dramatic scene is to achieve their character's goal, which drives the performance and storyline.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept