Theatrical Elements and Personnel Basic 6 Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA) Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Identify elements of a play production
• Mention the various people involved in a play production
• Evaluate one Nigerian theatrical personnel in history

Content

Elements of a Play Production:

1. Script – The written play
2. Characters – People in the story
3. Setting – Where the story happens
4. Plot – What happens in the story
5. Costumes – What actors wear
6. Props – Objects used in the play
7. Lighting – Lights that create mood
8. Sound – Music and sound effects

People Involved in Play Production:

• Director – Guides the entire production
• Actors – Perform the characters
• Script Writer – Writes the play
• Costume Designer – Creates clothing for actors
• Set Designer – Creates the stage background
• Lighting Technician – Controls the lights
• Sound Technician – Manages sound and music
• Producer – Organizes and funds the production

Notable Nigerian Theatrical Personnel: Hubert Ogunde (1916-1990)

• Known as the “Father of Nigerian Theatre”
• Created the first professional theatre company in Nigeria
• Wrote and produced many famous plays
• Combined traditional Yoruba culture with modern theatre
• Famous plays include “The Garden of Eden” and “Yoruba Ronu”

Activities

• Create a simple class play script
• Assign different production roles to students
• Practice basic acting exercises
• Design simple costumes using available materials

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The written version of a play is called: a) Script b) Setting c) Props d) Costume 
2. Who guides the entire play production? a) Actor b) Director c) Audience d) Script writer 
3. Hubert Ogunde is known as: a) Father of Nigerian Music b) Father of Nigerian Theatre c) Father of Nigerian Dance d) Father of Nigerian Art 
4. Objects used in a play are called: a) Costumes b) Scripts c) Props d) Settings 
5. The people who watch a play are called: a) Actors b) Directors c) Audience d) Producers 

Homework

Research and write a short paragraph about another famous Nigerian actor or theatre personality. Draw and label the different elements you would need for a simple classroom play.