In this unit students build on the knowledge and skills developed in Drama and Theatre 1 to better prepare them for VCE Drama and VCE Theatre Studies. This subject will run in Semester 2.
In this unit more sophisticated approaches to making and responding to drama independently and in small groups. They continue to explore drama through improvisation, scripted drama, rehearsal and performance. The Theatre component of the course will focus on looking at postmodern performance styles (such as Verbatim Theatre, Physical Theatre, etc.), exploring how these styles can be incorporated into a performance for a modern audience. Students will work in groups to research a performance style, to create and present a classroom lesson to teach the elements of the style. This includes designing and incorporating practical class activities which explore the conventions of the style. The Drama component of the course will focus on eclectic performance styles, with a particular focus on political theatre styles (Eg. Epic Theatre, Feminist Theatre, Theatre of the Opressed, Gothic Horror, etc.). Through the exploration of these styles, students will create their own scripted solo performance, based on a theme relevant to current societal issues. Students will refine and extend their understanding of the use of expressive skills such as voice, movement, facial expressions and gesture to create and sustain belief in character. They will apply dramatic elements such as tension, climax and contrast to create theatre that is shocking, yet engaging for an audience. Student will also explore the design of performance, looking at production roles (eg. lighting, costume, direction, makeup, set and prop design, etc.) as a way of shaping a performance for a particular audience. Students will explore how to maintain focus and manipulate space and time, language, ideas and dramatic action. They experiment with mood and atmosphere, use devices such as contrast and application of symbol, and modify production elements to suit different audiences. As they make and respond to drama, students explore meaning, elements and conventions of performance styles. They evaluate their own, and other actors’ success in a range of dramatic elements, conventions and expressive skills.
Learning Standards:
CREATING AND MAKING:
RESPOND AND INTERPRET:
ASSESSMENT
Assessment across the year will include a range of tasks such as:
Contribution to class discussions, involvement in practical workshops and completion of class work will also be considered.
Recommendation/Prerequisites:
This course is a prerequisite for VCE Drama and/or VCE Theatre Studies
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