The study of Drama introduces students to theories and processes for artistic development, it allows them to develop skills as creative, imaginative and critical thinkers.
At Year 10, the Drama program provides a transition through to the VCE requirements for Theatre Studies and Drama.
The areas of study are: Semester One – Theatrical Styles and Practitioners, including Theatre visits and Script Analysis, as well as practical experimentation with style. Ensemble Theatre and its eclectic form is explored as well as design elements in different Production areas, and the final unit focuses on the staging of a Production. Semester Two – A different range of Theatrical Styles and Practitioners are studied, often dependant on the current productions that are showing in theatres around the state. Solo work is introduced in collaboration with many group tasks.
This unit analyses and evaluates the development and realisation of the ensemble performance and its characters. This may include:
researching subject matter from a variety of sources: for example, poetry, music, art forms, current affairs and historical events and characters
dramatic elements such as climax, conflict, contrast, mood, rhythm, sound, space, symbol, tension
an eclectic performance style including relevant conventions from a variety of cultural and historical contexts
the manipulation of stagecraft to define and enhance performance
the collaborative process involved in the development of characters and the realisation of ensemble performance.
This unit focuses on the use of performance styles, theatrical conventions and stimulus materials from a variety of cultural sources in the development of a solo performance. This may include:
research subject matter with dramatic potential from a diversity of cultural and historical sources as a basis for shaping a performance
an eclectic performance style including relevant conventions from variety of cultural and historical contexts
analysis and evaluation of ways in which expressive skills are used to communicate characters
ways in which a range of play-building techniques and devices such as script writing or improvisation from a scenario can be used in the development of a solo performance
performing to an audience.
This unit focuses on acting skills developed for particular scripts. It is intended that the scripts studied are also able to be seen performed by professional and/or amateur companies. Students will be expected to:
understand the style and influences on the script
learn lines and rehearse scenes for presentation
consider character development and relationships with others
understand the context of the piece and how best this is enhanced through the use of production areas
perform to an audience.
This unit focuses on studying theatrical form through an exploration of influential styles from both historic and modern periods. This may include:
Greek and Elizabethan Theatre.
Magic Realism, Physical Theatre, farce, or styles currently being explored in modern performances.
The unit concentrates on the development, influences and changes in theatre over time and scripts are analysed and performed in groups to give greater insight.
This unit aims to explore prior knowledge and to interpret or devise a relevant piece of theatre for an audience. This may include:
understanding text or stimulus and creating meaning which is communicable to an audience
the use of production areas (for example, set, costume, lighting and sound) to enhance meaning
developing character with the use of expressive skills and performance skills
performing to an audience.
Each unit of work has a practical and analytical aspect to it and are assessed using regular feedback from peers as well as staff. An end- of-first- semester performance will assess acting skills, storytelling, and production understandings. The end of year examination will test the content of both practical and theory aspects.
Learning Tasks
Four types of learning tasks may be undertaken in each unit of the Drama program:
practical activities and performances
journal and/or folio
reviews of productions
analytical exercises and research projects.
For more detailed information, please click on the link/s below: