Scotch College

VCE: Drama

Rationale

The study of Drama focuses on the creation of performance of characters, narratives and stories. Students draw on a range of content and use role and expressive skills to create, embody and present dramatic works. They analyse the development of their performances and explore the actor-audience relationship. Students develop an understanding of dramatic elements, stagecraft and theatrical conventions appropriate to performance styles from a range of cultural contexts. They view and analyse performances by professional and other drama practitioners.

Structure

Unit 1: Dramatic Story Telling (includes four study Outcomes)

Through practical workshops, students learn the skills necessary to devise solo and ensemble performances. During this time, they discover ways in which to create different characters by manipulating a range of prescribed dramatic elements. This unit focuses particularly upon non-naturalistic performance styles and techniques. In addition, students study performances presented by non-student actors and learn how to analyse these according to a set criteria.

Unit 2: Creating Australian Drama (includes four study Outcomes)

Using Australia as inspiration, students explore social and historical themes that they then use as stimulus material in order to devise their own ensemble performance. They then discuss this process and apply their skills in further analysis of theatre performances viewed outside school.

Unit 3: Ensemble Performance (includes three study Outcomes)

Students participate in workshops that explore non-naturalistic dramatic forms and techniques, then present examples of these skills in a self-devised ensemble performance. Analysis of their own work and that of professional theatre practitioners is used to consolidate their understanding of non-naturalism.

Unit 4: Solo Performance (includes three study Outcomes)

The final unit focuses on the research, creation, performance and analysis of a solo performance that demonstrates mastery of non-naturalistic performance techniques. Students prepare one solo topic from a list set annually by the VCAA and prepare it for both public and external examination performances that take place early in October.

The study provides students with opportunities to explore the ways in which drama represents social, political, and historical contexts, narratives and stories. Students develop an understanding of the language of drama including terminology and expressions appropriate to the context of the drama that students create, perform and analyse. Students develop an appreciation of drama as an art form through participation, criticism and aesthetic understanding.

Each Unit deals with specific content and is designed to enable students to achieve a set of Outcomes. Each Outcome is described in terms of key knowledge and skills. (See VCAA Drama Study Design)

Assessment

Units 1 and 2: Devising a Performance

Presentation of a Performance

Analysing a Devised Performance

Written Analysis of a Professional Performance

Units 3 and 4: School Assessed Coursework 40 per cent

Performance Examination 35 per cent

Written Examination 25 per cent