1. Icon, Index, Symbol

• Signs are tools employed to establish communication from person to person.
• The simplest type of sign is the one instantly recognised because it represents what it signifies by the direct image of that object - named by the Greek word for `Picture' : ICON.
• All dramatic work is basically iconic: every moment of dramatic action is a direct visual and aural sign of the fictional - the imitated.
• The gestures we use in real life -pointing the finger for example, are called INDEX signs.
• The third sign with no immediately recognisable organic relationship to their signifieds are called SYMBOLS
• In drama these natural signs take on special importance - there is a deliberate attempt to produce them on stage to convey meaning to an audience: the dimming of lights to imitate nightfall for example.

2. The Actor

• The actor is the iconic sign who has become a signifier for a human being.
• The actor is firstly themselves on stage and secondly, transformed and disguised by costume, make-up, voice and attitude.
• The audience never forgets that the iconic function of the actor is playful pretence : indeed, the audience makes a contract to `suspend disbelief.'
• Important to this iconic representation is, vocal interpretation, facial expression, gesture and movement, make-up and costume.

3. Visuals & Design

• The most basic sign system for meaning in a dramatic performance is through the creation of the `infrastructure of spaces' - the patterns of actors' movements on stage.
• The `set' or `decor' helps inform the audience indicating messages of time and place.
• `Properties,' present in the dramatic space are important iconic elements.
• The use of `light' plays an important iconic function indicating day and night, sunny and gloomy conditions etc. Its most important function is that it directs attention to focal points of action.

4. The Words

• Dramatic performance is text - in most cases it can be read, it can be analysed and interpreted.
• The words of dramatic dialogue transmit factual and emotional
  information.
• There may be elements of style such as prose or verse.
• Words serve to individualised characters and produce meaning through the overall structure of the dialogue.
• Sub-text - words that are not spoken, is of paramount importance to understanding dramatic action.