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Section 4: Sample Selected-Response Questions
TX PACT: Theatre: Early Childhood–Grade 12 (780)

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This section presents some sample exam questions for you to review as part of your preparation for the exam. To demonstrate how each competency may be assessed, sample questions are accompanied by the competency that they measure. While studying, you may wish to read the competency before and after you consider each sample question. Please note that the competency statements do not appear on the actual exam.

The correct answer is provided for each sample exam question. The sample questions are included to illustrate the formats and types of questions you will see on the exam; however, your performance on the sample questions should not be viewed as a predictor of your performance on the actual exam.

Domain I—Foundations of Theatre

Competency 001—Demonstrate knowledge of the basic elements of dramatic literature.

1. Which of the following is a common characteristic of naturalistic dialogue?

  1. use of fluent, grammatically correct speech presented in complete sentences
  2. use of concise and well-focused speeches that contain similes and metaphors
  3. use of regional accents, slang and colloquial phrases, and incomplete sentences
  4. use of poetic devices, such as rhyming and alliteration, and vivid, colorful language
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option C is correct.

Competency 002—Understand and apply knowledge of dramatic literature from historical and contemporary eras within a variety of cultures from ancient times to the present.

2. Which of the following best describes the literary style of comedic drama that originated with the commedia dell’arte of Italy?

  1. a plot outline that uses stock characters, set speeches, asides, and amusing routines to frame a simple story of forbidden love
  2. a dialogue-rich drama that employs puns, paradoxes, and ironies to poke fun at the accepted social standards of the day
  3. an intricate, fully scripted play-within-a-play involving mistaken motives and misunderstandings between characters in both plays
  4. a satirical treatment that often ends with the notion that harmony is based on money rather than nobler concepts such as honesty or love
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option A is correct.

Competency 003—Understand and apply knowledge of methods and principles of playwriting.

3. During the workshop production of a new play, several audience members noted that it was "difficult to understand what was going on" in the first few scenes. Based on these comments, the playwright most likely needs to revise those scenes to clarify the:

  1. structure.
  2. plot.
  3. exposition.
  4. story.
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option C is correct.

Competency 004—Understand and apply knowledge of principles of acting.

4. Which of the following questions would best help an actor determine a character's subtext?

  1. What is my character's relationship to the other characters in the play?
  2. How does my character think differently than I do?
  3. What feelings does my character leave unspoken?
  4. Which of my character's lines should have the most emphasis?
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option C is correct.

5. Which of the following is the most important rule to use when interacting with a partner in an improvisation?

  1. Fill moments of silence by asking questions.
  2. Accept any elements that the other actor brings to the scene.
  3. Use movement and gesture in place of dialogue whenever possible.
  4. Maintain steady eye contact with the other actor.
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option B is correct.

Competency 005—Demonstrate knowledge of vocal techniques used in theatre arts.

6. During the rehearsal of a lengthy soliloquy, an actor frequently pauses mid-sentence to take a breath. Which of the following breathing techniques would best help the actor eliminate this problem?

  1. disguising each breath with a sudden movement
  2. continuing to vocalize the words while inhaling and exhaling
  3. inhaling deeply from the diaphragm prior to beginning the speech
  4. planning the placement of each breath while memorizing lines
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option D is correct.

Competency 006—Apply knowledge of movement techniques used in theatre arts.

7. An actor portraying a typical matriarch in a late Victorian comedy would most likely move primarily with which of the following types of movement energy?

  1. light
  2. smooth
  3. percussive
  4. controlled
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option D is correct.

Domain II—Theatrical Production

Competency 007—Understand and apply knowledge of principles of directing theatrical productions.

8. A director is staging a realistic scene that calls for eight actors to be onstage at once. Which of the following is the most effective way for the director to draw attention to a principal actor at a moment when no lines are being spoken?

  1. seating the principal actor further upstage than any of the other actors
  2. asking the group of actors to place their focus on the principal actor
  3. seating the principal actor near the center of the stage
  4. asking the principal actor to cross in front of several other actors
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option B is correct.

Competency 008—Apply knowledge of skills and techniques related to theatrical lighting and sound design and production.

9. A lighting designer is working on a play that is set in an abandoned barn. The director has asked the designer to create the effect of thin beams of light criss-crossing through the barn's darkened interior. This could be accomplished most effectively by using:

  1. ellipsoidal reflector spotlights (ERSs) and a fog or haze machine.
  2. cyclorama (cyc) lights and an expansive backdrop.
  3. a striplight equipped with a mechanical dimmer control.
  4. a Fresnel spotlight with a funnel attachment.
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option A is correct.

Competency 009—Apply knowledge of skills and techniques related to set and prop design and production.

10. Which of the following stage properties is most likely to be considered a set dressing?

  1. a painted backdrop
  2. a hat worn by an actor as part of the actor's costume
  3. a window curtain
  4. a handkerchief discarded on stage by an actor
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option C is correct.

Competency 010—Apply knowledge of skills and techniques related to costume and makeup design and production.

11. A costume designer cuts a paper pattern for a period dress and then transfers the design to muslin. The designer most likely selected muslin for this step in the process for which of the following reasons?

  1. Muslin readily accepts most commonly used dyes.
  2. Muslin's qualities make it ideal for costume linings.
  3. Darts and seams are easy to create with muslin.
  4. Muslin is an inexpensive material for rough work and design ideas.
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option D is correct.

Competency 011—Apply knowledge of skills and techniques related to theatre facilities and management.

12. A director is looking for a theatre space that will allow audience seating to be rearranged during intermission. Which of the following types of theatres would be most appropriate in this situation?

  1. black box
  2. proscenium
  3. arena
  4. thrust
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option A is correct.

Competency 012—Demonstrate knowledge of principles and procedures for producing theatrical performances.

13. Which of the following is a typical responsibility of a theatrical production's house manager?

  1. ensuring that each member of the technical crew is trained
  2. informing the stage manager of any audience delays
  3. serving as a liaison between the actors and the director
  4. providing the box office manager with a list of reservations
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option B is correct.

Competency 013—Understand and apply knowledge of legal and ethical issues in theatre arts.

14. A director is permitted to adapt a published play without obtaining written permission when:

  1. the play's author is deceased.
  2. the play is in the public domain.
  3. the play's royalties have been paid.
  4. the play is more than 25 years old.
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option B is correct.

Domain III—Analyzing and Connecting Theatre to Everyday Life

Competency 014—Understand the history of theatre in cultures throughout the world.

15. In the early twentieth century, the Little Theatre movement distinguished itself from other, more established theatres primarily by focusing on:

  1. local vaudeville and burlesque acts.
  2. socially sensitive content.
  3. romantic and mythological themes.
  4. escapist and hedonistic content.
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option B is correct.

Competency 015—Demonstrate knowledge of functions and purposes of theatre in cultures throughout the world from ancient times to the present.

16. In general, plays written in response to community crisis situations function as:

  1. a bridge to the future.
  2. a celebration of tradition.
  3. an exercise in hubris.
  4. a cathartic experience.
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option D is correct.

Competency 016—Understand theatre as a way to create and communicate meaning.

17. At the beginning of a play, the curtain opens on a scene in which a small child is stooped, head down, with his back toward the audience. The stage is set around him with huge looming gray and black columns. The lights are dim, accentuating the lack of color. Which of the following emotions is best expressed through these production elements?

  1. hopelessness
  2. anger
  3. passion
  4. excitement
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option A is correct.

Competency 017—Understand principles of theatre appreciation and criticism.

18. Which of the following is the best first step in learning to think critically about theatrical productions?

  1. approaching each theatrical production with the goal of discerning its flaws
  2. regularly discussing one's reactions to theatrical productions with other people
  3. reading as many background stories and reviews as possible before seeing a theatrical production
  4. analyzing the characteristics that contribute to the quality of a theatrical production
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Option D is correct.
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