what are theatrical conventions?

A theatrical convention is a practical device used by the playwright or director to help tell the story of the play in the theatre.the most common theatrical convention is that of the characters talking to each other and pretending not to notice the audience. This is often called the convention of the ‘fourth wall’ - the stage has three, and the invisible one between the actors and the audience is the fourth.

Theatrical Conventions are things which are done on stage that contributes to an overall performance style.

Where as the Perfomance Style is the way in which the plot is conveyed in a peformace, sometimes to a particular philosophy of performances, or to an historical period.

Now these are just some of the Theatrical Conventions which I'v listed here, with definitions and examples :)

FREEZE FRAME

A freeze frame is a frozen moment of a scene. During a performance the actor freezes action and sound at a

premeditated time to enhance dramatic tension and/or to highlight an important moment in a scene. It can be

compared to pressing ‘pause’ on a video at a signifi cant moment in the narrative.

CARICATURE

Caricature is an exaggeration of a character that is often ludicrous or grotesque. It can be comic, at times

derogatory, and with the intention of ridicule

PATHOS

Pathos is a state which evokes a feeling of pity or sadness in the audience, for example the power of stirring

tender or melancholy emotion. Pathos may be associated with comedy and tragedy

SATIRE

Satire is the use of wit and comedy to attack, denounce or deride a target. Satire exposes or questions the presence

of vice, folly, abuse or pretence. It can be achieved through the manipulation of language, caricature, parody,

parable or other comedic theatrical conventions. The satirist laughs at, punishes or questions a target and/or an

audience. The target may be an individual or a system.

HEIGHTENED USE OF LANGUAGE

Heightened use of language is poetic and exaggerated use of language. It includes the deliberate choice of words

whose syntax, alliteration and rhyming patterns enhance the dramatic statement. Intended meaning is enhanced

through the use of non-conventional and non-naturalistic dialogue.