Theatre Studies focuses on the interpretation of playscripts and the production of plays from the pre-modern era to the present day. Students apply stagecraft elements to a range of playscripts to discover the developmental processes of theatre and performance. Students also study playscripts in relation to the contexts of the era in which they were developed, and the particular elements of the related theatrical styles. They learn about the times, places and cultures of key theatrical developments and develop awareness of the traditions and histories of theatre.
UNIT 1: THEATRICAL STYLES OF THE PRE-MODERN ERA
Focus is on the application of acting and other stagecraft in relation to theatrical styles of the era. Students work with playscripts from the era of theatre, focusing on works prior to the 1880s in both their written form and in performance. They study theatrical and performance analysis and apply these skills to the analysis of a play from the era in performance.
Learning Activities:
A combination of written and practical work including: folio tasks; playscript research and interpretation; research of contexts and associated playscripts; improvisational and character workshops; class discussion; informal group performances; stagecraft; written notes and class reflections; reflections regarding performances by others (both amateur and professional).
Key Skills Achieved:
Ability to incorporate certain elements of theatrical styles of the era into performance; ability to research and understand contexts of certain playscripts from the era; ability to develop stagecraft in performance in accordance to specific elements of theatrical styles from the era; ability to analyse performance; ability to re-contextualise playscripts to create a group performance; ability to manipulate actor-audience relationships through performance.
Assessment:
UNIT 2: THEATRICAL STYLES OF THE MODERN ERA
This unit focuses on studying theatrical styles and stagecraft through working with playscripts in both their written form and in performance with an emphasis on the application of stagecraft. Students work with playscripts from the era focusing on works from the 1880s to the present. Students study theatrical analysis and production evaluation and apply these skills to the analysis of a play in performance from the era.
Learning Activities:
A combination of written and practical work including: folio tasks; playscript research and interpretation; research of contexts of theatrical styles and associated playscripts; improvisational and character workshops; class discussion; informal group performances; stagecraft activities; written notes and class reflections; reflections regarding performances by others (both amateur and professional).
Key Skills Achieved:
Ability to incorporate certain elements of theatrical styles of the era into performance; ability to research and understand contexts of certain playscripts from the era; ability to develop stagecraft in performance in accordance to specific elements of theatrical styles from the era; ability to analyse performance; ability to re-contextualise playscripts to create a group performance; ability to manipulate actor-audience relationships through performance.
Assessment:
.png)