Theatre History Basics! Trivia Quiz
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Explore the origins and evolution of theatre through this engaging trivia quiz. Test your knowledge on key historical figures, play types, and stage designs in theatre history.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Who was Thespis?
- A.
A Roman
- B.
A student of Aristotle
- C.
The first actor.
- D.
A made up person.
Correct Answer
C. The first actor.Explanation
Thespis was the first actor in ancient Greece. He is credited with introducing the concept of an individual actor who portrayed a character in a play, rather than having a chorus perform all the roles. Thespis is considered the founder of Greek tragedy and his innovative approach to acting laid the foundation for the development of theater as we know it today.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What were Mystery plays about?
Correct Answer
Bible stories
the bible
churchExplanation
Mystery plays were theatrical performances that originated in the Middle Ages and were popular in Europe. These plays were performed by guilds and were centered around biblical stories. They were often performed inside or outside churches and aimed to educate people about the stories and teachings of the Bible. Therefore, the correct answer options, "Bible stories," "the bible," and "church," all accurately represent the subject matter of Mystery plays.Rate this question:
- 3.
What is this a picture of?
- A.
A hanging
- B.
An amphitheater
- C.
A puppet show
- D.
A pageant wagon
Correct Answer
D. A pageant wagon -
- 4.
Who was Dionysus?
- A.
The god of wine, revelry and fertility
- B.
The god of war
- C.
The god of love
- D.
The god of the sun
Correct Answer
A. The god of wine, revelry and fertilityExplanation
Dionysus was known as the god of wine, revelry, and fertility. In Greek mythology, he was associated with the celebration of wine, drunkenness, and ecstasy. Dionysus was often depicted as a jovial and carefree deity, bringing joy and abundance to those who worshipped him. His association with fertility also made him a symbol of life and renewal. As the god of wine, Dionysus represented the intoxicating and transformative power of the drink, which was believed to bring people closer to the divine.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Name two playwrights from the Renaissance period.
Correct Answer
Moliere, Shakespeare, Jonson
Shakespeare, Marlow
William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlow
Moliere, Jonson
Christopher Marlow, Ben JonsonExplanation
The correct answer is William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlow.Rate this question:
- 6.
What type of scripts did Commedia del Arte use?
- A.
Full 5 act long scripts.
- B.
They only used general guidelines.
- C.
None at all, they made it up as they went (completely)
- D.
What is a script?
Correct Answer
B. They only used general guidelines.Explanation
Commedia del Arte used only general guidelines instead of full 5 act long scripts. This allowed the actors to improvise and adapt their performances based on the audience's reactions and the specific circumstances of each performance. The use of general guidelines also gave the actors more freedom to showcase their comedic skills and interact with each other in a spontaneous and dynamic manner.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What type of stage is this?
Correct Answer
amphitheatre
amphitheater - 8.
What type of play is a Miracle play?
- A.
Bible stories
- B.
About right and wrong
- C.
About the saints
- D.
About miracles
Correct Answer
C. About the saintsExplanation
A Miracle play is a type of play that focuses on the lives and stories of saints. These plays often depict the miracles performed by the saints and their interactions with the divine. They were popular during the medieval period and were performed as a form of religious entertainment and education. The plays aimed to inspire and teach the audience about the lives of the saints and their extraordinary abilities.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What was a popular sport played by the nobility during the Renaissance period?
- A.
Football
- B.
Tomato tossing
- C.
Jousting
- D.
Pie eating contests
Correct Answer
C. JoustingExplanation
Jousting was a popular sport played by the nobility during the Renaissance period. It involved two knights on horseback charging at each other with lances, aiming to knock their opponent off their horse. Jousting was considered a display of chivalry and skill, and it was often performed in tournaments and festivals. The nobility enjoyed this sport as it showcased their bravery and prowess in combat, while also providing entertainment for spectators.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Who outlawed theatre at the end of the Roman era?
Correct Answer
the church
Catholics
the Roman Catholic Church
the Catholic ChurchExplanation
The correct answer is the Roman Catholic Church. During the end of the Roman era, the Roman Catholic Church gained significant power and influence. They considered theatre to be immoral and a threat to their authority, leading them to outlaw it. As a result, theatre performances were banned and discouraged, contributing to the decline of theatre during this period.Rate this question:
- 11.
What time period is this style of stage from?
- A.
Greek
- B.
Roman
- C.
Medieval
- D.
Renaissance
Correct Answer
D. Renaissance -
- 12.
What festival did the Greeks hold each year to honor Dionysus? This festival became the birthplace of theatre.
- A.
City Athenia
- B.
Greek Festival
- C.
Dionysus's Festival
- D.
City Dionysia
Correct Answer
D. City DionysiaExplanation
The Greeks held a festival called City Dionysia each year to honor Dionysus. This festival became the birthplace of theatre.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Who was in charge during the Medieval period?
Correct Answer
the church
the Catholic Church
the Roman Catholic churchExplanation
During the Medieval period, the church, specifically the Catholic Church, held significant power and influence. It played a central role in governing and controlling various aspects of society, including political, social, and religious matters. The church held authority over the clergy, controlled the education system, and had a strong influence on the ruling class. Therefore, it can be inferred that the church, the Catholic Church, or the Roman Catholic church was in charge during the Medieval period.Rate this question:
- 14.
During the Medieval period, there were three levels of class. Which level did the serfs belong to?
Correct Answer
lower
poor
slaveExplanation
During the Medieval period, serfs belonged to the lower class. They were peasants who worked on the land owned by the nobles in exchange for protection and the right to live on the land. Serfs were not considered slaves because they were not owned by the nobles, but they were tied to the land and had limited freedom. They were also considered poor because they had little wealth or social status.Rate this question:
- 15.
What was the play Medea about?
- A.
Medea rescued Jason from drowning.
- B.
Medea got her family together for a barbeque.
- C.
Medea's husband Jason left her for another woman and Medea killed her children.
- D.
Medea and Antigone go out to tea.
Correct Answer
C. Medea's husband Jason left her for another woman and Medea killed her children.Explanation
The play Medea is about a woman named Medea whose husband, Jason, leaves her for another woman. In her rage and despair, Medea seeks revenge and kills her own children as a way to hurt Jason. The play explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the consequences of extreme actions.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What is the 4th wall?
Correct Answer
an invisible wall between the actors and the audience
an invisible wall
a wall between the actors and audienceExplanation
The 4th wall refers to an invisible barrier between the actors on stage and the audience. It is a concept commonly used in theater and film, where the performers act as if the audience is not present, creating a sense of realism. Breaking the 4th wall occurs when the actors acknowledge the audience's presence, directly addressing them or making them aware that they are watching a performance. This concept enhances the theatrical experience and can be used for comedic effect or to create a more intimate connection with the audience.Rate this question:
- 17.
Which direction is upstage?
- A.
Toward the audience
- B.
To the left of the stage
- C.
To the right of the stage
- D.
Toward the back of the stage
Correct Answer
D. Toward the back of the stageExplanation
Upstage refers to the area of the stage that is furthest away from the audience. This means that when an actor or object moves towards the back of the stage, they are moving upstage. The term "upstage" originated from the days when stages were raked, sloping upwards towards the back. This made the upstage area physically higher than the downstage area, creating a visual effect of depth. Therefore, the correct answer is "Toward the back of the stage."Rate this question:
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- 18.
What is a character's objective?
- A.
What he/she wants to achieve
- B.
What he/she does to someone else
- C.
The main topic of the day
Correct Answer
A. What he/she wants to achieveExplanation
A character's objective refers to what he/she wants to achieve. It is the goal or purpose that drives the character's actions and decisions throughout the story. Understanding a character's objective helps to provide insight into their motivations and allows the audience to connect with the character on a deeper level. By knowing what a character wants to achieve, the audience can follow their journey and see how they pursue their goals, facing obstacles and making choices along the way.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Who stood and watched plays in the Elizabethan period?
- A.
Nobility
- B.
The Queen
- C.
The Groundlings
- D.
The children
Correct Answer
C. The GroundlingsExplanation
During the Elizabethan period, the Groundlings, who were the lower-class citizens, stood and watched plays. Unlike the nobility who had seating in the galleries and the Queen who had a private box, the Groundlings stood in the open courtyard in front of the stage. They were known for being rowdy and enthusiastic, often interacting with the actors and creating a lively atmosphere during performances.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jan 29, 2009Quiz Created by
Sranzau
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