Study Guide

Section 4: Sample Multiple-Choice Questions
WEST–E Theatre Arts (055)

The sample test questions in this study guide are designed to give you an introduction to the nature of the questions included in the Washington Educator Skills Tests—Endorsements (WEST–E). They represent the various types of questions you may expect to see on an actual test in this test field; however, they are not designed to predict your performance on the test as a whole.

Work through the sample questions carefully before referring to the answers. The correct response and test objective being assessed are provided for each question. When you are finished with the sample questions, you may wish to review the test objectives and descriptive statements provided in the test framework for this test field.

In addition to reading and answering the sample questions, you should also utilize the following preparation materials available in this study guide:

• Read Section 2: WEST–E Test-Taking Strategies to understand how test questions are designed to measure specific test objectives and to learn important test-taking strategies for the day of the test.
• Review Section 3: Test Summary and Framework to familiarize yourself with the structure and content of the test. This section contains general testing information as well as the percentage of the total test score derived from each content domain described in the test framework.

Practice Questions

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Foundations of Theatre

Objective 0001: 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 

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

2. Which of the following dramatic devices is being used when a character speaks a long series of inner thoughts to themself?

1. soliloquy 
2. lament 
3. monologue 
4. aside 

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

Objective 0002: Understand and apply knowledge of dramatic literature from historical and contemporary eras within a variety of cultures from ancient times to the present.

3. 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

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

4. The philosophical approach to theatre by Bertholt Brecht is best characterized in which of the following ways? 

1. establishing an illusion of reality by depicting scenes from everyday life
2. focusing on the journey of a protagonist searching for emotional purpose
3. creating an emotional distance between the characters and audience
4. incorporating disjointed dialogue and an absurd non-linear plot

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

Objective 0003: Understand and apply knowledge of methods and principles of playwriting.

5. 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.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

6. Dramatic irony is used by playwrights for primarily which of the following reasons? 

1. creating a resolution of conflict that is different than might be expected 
2. providing the audience with information that will affect a character before the character realizes it 
3. including a humorous comment in an otherwise emotionally charged scene
4. establishing context and backstories about characters that inform their respective motivations

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

Objective 0004: Understand and apply knowledge of principles of acting.

7. 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?

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

8. 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.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

9. Sanford Meisner encouraged actors to use primarily which of the following techniques or approaches to acting?

1. drawing on personal experiences to convey emotion
2. analyzing the script closely to understand story arc and theme
3. wearing spare costumes to focus on character
4. building spontaneity through the use of repetition exercises

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

Objective 0005: Demonstrate knowledge of vocal techniques used in theatre arts.

10. 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

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

11. Which of the following vocal warm-up activities is most likely to improve an actor’s resonance? 

1. humming at the onset of a sentence 
2. counting slowly from zero to ten 
3. breathing through the diaphragm
4. repeating an alliterative phrase

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

Objective 0006: Apply knowledge of movement techniques used in theatre arts.

12. 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 

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

13. Practicing the Alexander Technique is likely to improve an actor’s movement in primarily which of the following ways?

1. focusing attention on various ways to move through space and time
2. increasing body awareness to reduce unnecessary tension
3. expanding creative thinking through the practice of mime and mask work 
4. strengthening the core through repetitive plank exercises 

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

Theatrical Production

Objective 0007: Understand and apply knowledge of principles of directing theatrical productions.

14. 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

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

15. Which of the following approaches would most help a director identify a character’s changes in intention? 

1. researching the play’s performance history
2. holding a table read
3. interviewing the actors as if they are their characters 
4. marking beats 

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

Objective 0008: Apply knowledge of skills and techniques related to theatrical lighting and sound design and production.

16. 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 crisscrossing 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.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

17. Primarily which of the following microphones is used in theatre for parts that require a lot of movement and singing? 

1. lavalier 
2. overhead 
3. headset 
4. boundary 

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

Objective 0009: Apply knowledge of skills and techniques related to set and prop design and production.

18. 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

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

19. Upon being hired for a new production, which of the following tasks should a set designer complete first?

1. meeting other designers
2. building a model
3. reading the script
4. drawing sketches

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

Objective 0010: Apply knowledge of skills and techniques related to costume and makeup design and production.

20. 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.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

21. Powder is used in makeup application for primarily which of the following reasons?

1. establishing a foundation to apply makeup
2. adding highlights to makeup
3. mixing with water to make cake makeup
4. setting the makeup into place

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

Objective 0011: Apply knowledge of skills and techniques related to theatre facilities and management.

22. 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

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

23. A thrust stage has primarily which of the following advantages over a proscenium stage?

1. creating more opportunity for realistic set design
2. allowing actors to enter and exit via the backstage
3. minimizing the need for precise stage blocking
4. providing an immersive experience for the audience

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

24. Which of the following accommodations is most important for an opera house to provide?

1. an elevator that brings guests to seats in the balcony
2. supertitles for works performed in languages other than English
3. comment boxes for patrons to leave feedback in
4. a box of opera glasses for free use during the production

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

Objective 0012: Demonstrate knowledge of principles and procedures for producing theatrical performances.

25. 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

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

26. It is most important for designers in lighting, costumes, makeup, sound, props, and sets to be present at regular production meetings for which of the following purposes?

1. to ensure that all designers are working toward a unified artistic vision
2. to discuss the assignments of staff, such as stage crew and makeup artists
3. to closely examine each designer’s budget and necessary expenses
4. to determine which designs can be repurposed for future productions

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

Objective 0013: Understand and apply knowledge of legal and ethical issues in theatre arts.

27. 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.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

28. The U.S. Copyright Office with respect to theatre and the arts is generally meant to serve which of the following purposes?

1. discouraging adaptation of works in the public domain
2. promoting creativity and the development of new works for public benefit
3. paying royalty fees to publishers and rights holders
4. ensuring that historical figures portrayed in works are historically accurate

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

Analyzing and Connecting Theatre to Everyday Life

Objective 0014: Understand the history of theatre in cultures throughout the world.

29. 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.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

30. The Chinese theatrical form known as Xiangsheng is most closely related to which of the following western traditions?

1. burlesque
2. operetta
3. melodrama
4. stand-up comedy

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

Objective 0015: Demonstrate knowledge of functions and purposes of theatre in cultures throughout the world from ancient times to the present.

31. 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.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

32. Jonathan Larson’s Rent is loosely based on Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème. Though set in different time periods and locations, the historical contexts reflected in the two works are similar because both works feature:

1. well-known actors working in professional theaters.
2. impoverished young artists living in urban environments.
3. idealistic revolutionaries fighting on battlefields.
4. government officials working toward political change.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

Objective 0016: Understand theatre as a way to create and communicate meaning.

33. 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

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

34. In theatre arts, breaking the fourth wall serves primarily which of the following purposes?

1. establishing the audience’s suspension of disbelief in the play
2. giving the audience better sightlines to the performance
3. blurring the distinction between realism and abstraction
4. engaging the audience in interesting and unexpected ways

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

Objective 0017: Understand principles of theatre appreciation and criticism.

35. 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

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

36. Which of the following aesthetic theories views plays as catalysts for social change?

1. instrumentalism
2. formalism
3. expressionism
4. institutionalism

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

Objective 0018: Analyze how theatre arts relate to other arts disciplines and academic subject areas.

37. Which of the following playwriting activities would most contribute to the development of students' critical-thinking skills?

1. tapping into personal history to draft a scene with realistic emotional expression
2. reading the newspaper to generate ideas for a dramatic play
3. determining the causes of a poorly developed scene and then revising the scene
4. fact-checking the final draft of a play about a particular historical era

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

38. Which of the following theatre arts activities is most likely to support first-grade students in deepening their understanding of geometric shapes?

1. an open-ended improvisation in which students role-play as geometric shapes
2. a repetition exercise in which students speak the names of geometric shapes with varying inflection
3. a movement game in which students “sculpt” each other into different geometric shapes
4. a vocal warm-up in which students repeat the names of geometric shapes at different speeds

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

Objective 0019: Analyze how theatre arts relate to vocational and avocational opportunities.

39. Which of the following skills developed through the study of acting would likely be most helpful in preparing for a job interview?

1. internalization
2. projection
3. memorization
4. relaxation

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

40. Which of the following technical theatre jobs most requires computer-drawing software skills?

1. sound designer
2. lighting designer
3. set designer
4. makeup designer

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.