Final answer:
Pace and rhythm are fundamental to theatrical productions, influencing audience engagement and focus on the narrative. Blocking and transitions are also key visual elements directed by the pace set by the director. Characters and their actions, audience interaction, and the script's structure are essential in keeping the audience engaged throughout the performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pace of the flow of action causes the audience to focus on the narrative. An effective director understands that the rhythm of a production is crucial: it must not rush the actors, yet avoid dead time on stage that may lead to the audience losing attention. The flow is also influenced by blocking, transitions, and the creation of stage pictures, and this visual flow is part of the director's composition of the show.
Characters in a play serve as catalysts for the narrative by triggering actions, with these actions represented through verbs, and the dialogue provides the audience with an understanding of the unfolding events. Likewise, the audience plays an active role that can vary throughout a performance. At times they are directly engaged, while at other moments they are more passive observers of the action on stage.
The script is critical to a successful performance as it provides structure to the dialogue and stage direction. The balance between exposition, rising action, climax, and falling action ensures that the audience remains engaged right up until the resolution of the play's main conflict.