Page 20 - Year 11 Spring 2026 Knowledge Organiser

Drama: GCSE Terminology: 6 of 6

Characteristics of performance Social, cultural and historical contexts How meaning is interpreted and

text(s) and dramatic work(s) communicated
the social, cultural and historical context
Genre in which the performance texts studied Performance conventons

Structure are set use of performance space and spatial relationships on

Form the theatrical conventions of the period in stage

Style which the performance texts studied actor and audience configuration
Language were created. relationships between performers and audience

Sub-text

Character motivation and design fundamentals such as scale, shape, colour,
interation texture

The creation of mood and
atmosphere the design of props and the design of sets such as
revolves, trucks, projection, multimedia, pyrotechnics,
The development of pace and smoke machines, flying
rhythm the design of costume including hair and makeup

Dramatic climax

Stage directions the design of lighting such as direction, colour,
intensity, special effects
The pratical demends of the the design of sound such as direction, amplification,
text music, sound effects both live and recorded

performers' vocal interpretation of character such as

accent, volume, pitch, timing, pace, intonation,
phrasing, emotional range, delivery of lines
performers' physical interpretation of character such as
build, age, height, facial features, movement, posture,

gesture, facial expression.