Theater permeates and informs every aspect of our lives. It is an art form with a long and fascinating history. In order to understand it, one must understand its history, its elements, and how it is created. Art forms can be categorized as literary, visual, and performing; theater is one of the performing arts. Important characteristics of the performing arts include the need for interpreters and the need for an audience. The major elements of theater are the performers, director, audience, theater space, design aspects, and script. Because these elements must be coordinated, theater is a collaborative art.
CREDIT: Video clip # 5962 from "Royal Shakespeare Company: Great Performances"
Video footage used with the permission of Films for the Humanities & Sciences ®, Princeton, NJ. All Rights Reserved.
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