Here’s a structured list of 100 chapter titles for the National School of Drama (NSD) Entrance Exam, covering Theatre Knowledge, General Awareness, Acting, Direction, and Design from beginner to advanced levels. These chapters are designed to help you prepare comprehensively for the competitive exam.
¶ Section 1: Theatre Knowledge and History (Beginner to Advanced)
- Introduction to Theatre: Origins and Evolution
- Elements of Drama: Plot, Character, Dialogue, and Theme
- Types of Theatre: Proscenium, Thrust, Arena, and Black Box
- Theatre Genres: Tragedy, Comedy, Melodrama, and Farce
- Theatre Spaces: Design and Functionality
- Role of the Audience in Theatre
- Theatre Etiquette and Conventions
- Theatre Terminology: Glossary of Key Terms
- Theatrical Movements: Realism, Naturalism, and Absurdism
- Introduction to Indian Theatre: Folk and Classical Forms
- Greek Theatre: Origins and Key Playwrights
- Roman Theatre: Adaptations and Innovations
- Medieval Theatre: Mystery and Morality Plays
- Renaissance Theatre: Shakespeare and Elizabethan Drama
- Restoration Theatre: Comedy of Manners
- 19th-Century Theatre: Romanticism and Realism
- Modern Theatre: Ibsen, Chekhov, and Strindberg
- 20th-Century Theatre: Brecht and Epic Theatre
- Contemporary Theatre: Postmodern and Experimental Forms
- Theatre in the Digital Age: Multimedia and Virtual Performances
- Ancient Indian Theatre: Natya Shastra and Sanskrit Drama
- Bhasa, Kalidasa, and Other Sanskrit Playwrights
- Folk Theatre: Nautanki, Tamasha, and Yakshagana
- Regional Theatre Forms: Jatra, Bhavai, and Therukoothu
- Modern Indian Theatre: Rabindranath Tagore and IPTA
- Post-Independence Indian Theatre: Girish Karnad and Vijay Tendulkar
- Contemporary Indian Theatre: Trends and Innovations
- Role of NSD in Shaping Indian Theatre
- Theatre Festivals in India: Bharat Rang Mahotsav and Others
- Contributions of Indian Theatre Personalities: Habib Tanvir, Ebrahim Alkazi, etc.
- Introduction to Acting: Techniques and Methods
- Stanislavski’s System: Emotional Memory and Given Circumstances
- Method Acting: Strasberg and Adler
- Brechtian Techniques: Alienation Effect
- Physical Theatre: Movement and Gesture
- Voice Modulation and Diction
- Improvisation: Spontaneity and Creativity
- Character Analysis and Development
- Subtext and Inner Monologue
- Scene Study and Rehearsal Techniques
- Meisner Technique: Repetition and Truthful Acting
- Viewpoints: Time and Space in Performance
- Acting for Camera vs. Stage
- Monologue Preparation and Delivery
- Ensemble Acting: Building Chemistry with Co-Actors
- Acting in Different Genres: Comedy, Tragedy, and Absurd
- Physical Transformation for Roles
- Psychological Realism in Acting
- Exploring Archetypes and Stereotypes
- Experimental and Avant-Garde Acting
¶ Section 3: Direction and Playwriting (Beginner to Advanced)
- Role of the Director in Theatre
- Script Analysis and Interpretation
- Blocking and Staging Techniques
- Working with Actors: Communication and Motivation
- Visual Composition and Stage Pictures
- Rehearsal Process: From Read-Through to Performance
- Collaboration with Designers and Technicians
- Directing Different Genres: Comedy, Tragedy, and Musical
- Adapting Literature for the Stage
- Directing Experimental and Devised Theatre
- Elements of a Play: Structure and Format
- Writing Dialogue: Naturalism and Stylization
- Creating Characters: Depth and Motivation
- Plot Development: Conflict and Resolution
- Themes and Symbolism in Playwriting
- Writing for Different Audiences: Children, Youth, and Adults
- Adapting Myths and Folktales for Theatre
- Writing Monologues and Short Plays
- Playwriting Exercises and Prompts
- Publishing and Producing Your Play
¶ Section 4: Design and Technical Theatre (Beginner to Advanced)
- Basics of Set Design: Principles and Elements
- Creating a Set Model: From Concept to Execution
- Materials and Techniques in Set Construction
- Designing for Different Theatre Spaces
- Historical and Cultural Research for Set Design
- Basics of Stage Lighting: Instruments and Techniques
- Creating Mood and Atmosphere with Light
- Lighting Cues and Programming
- Designing for Different Genres: Drama, Dance, and Musical
- Safety and Technical Aspects of Lighting
¶ Costume and Makeup
- Basics of Costume Design: Research and Sketching
- Fabric Selection and Costume Construction
- Historical and Cultural Accuracy in Costumes
- Makeup Techniques: Basic to Special Effects
- Hair and Wig Styling for Theatre
- Basics of Sound Design: Equipment and Techniques
- Creating Soundscapes and Effects
- Music in Theatre: Live and Recorded
- Sound Cues and Mixing
- Acoustic Considerations in Theatre Spaces
¶ Section 5: General Awareness and Current Affairs (Beginner to Advanced)
- Indian Culture and Heritage
- World Theatre Personalities and Their Contributions
- Contemporary Issues in Theatre
- Theatre and Social Change
- Theatre Awards and Recognitions
- Current Trends in Global Theatre
- Theatre Education and Career Opportunities
- Theatre Criticism and Review Writing
- Theatre and Technology: Innovations and Challenges
- Role of Theatre in Cinema and Television
This structured list covers all the key areas tested in the NSD Entrance Exam. Focus on building a strong foundation in theatre knowledge, acting, direction, and design, and practice regularly with mock tests and previous year question papers. Good luck with your preparation!