In drama, a frame is a situation or position of importance given to a person, and distance relates to how engaged the frame makes the group.

For example:

• A reporter would be furthest away from the action as they would be a spectator, reporting on events.
• A soldier/policeman would be in the action, and is actually within the Drama, being closest.

Dorothy Heathcote created the idea of frames and distance. These concepts can be applied to thinking about a target group and how willing they would be to interact with the drama. A younger child is more likely to want to become part of the action, unlike a teenager who is more likely to want to observe and comment on the action.