VCE Drama

Introducing Performance Styles

In this unit students study three or more performance styles from a range of social, historical and cultural contexts. They examine drama traditions of ritual and storytelling to devise performances that go beyond re-creation and/or representation of real life as it is lived. This unit focuses on creating, presenting and analysing a devised ensemble performance that includes real or imagined characters and is based on stimulus material that reflects personal, cultural and/or community experiences and stories. This unit also involves analysis of a student’s own performance work and a work by professional drama performers.

Australian Identity

In this unit students study aspects of Australian identity evident in contemporary drama practice. Students focus on the use and documentation of the processes involved in constructing a devised solo performance. They create, present and analyse a performance based on a person, an event, an issue, a place, an artwork, a text and/or an icon from a contemporary or historical Australian context. In creating the performance, students use stimulus material that allows them to explore an aspect or aspects of Australian identity. They examine selected performance styles and explore the associated conventions to create meaning in performance. Students analyse their own performance work as well as undertaking an analysis of a performance of an Australian work, where possible, by professional actors. 

Devised Ensemble Performance

In this unit students explore the work of drama practitioners and draw on contemporary practice as they devise ensemble performance work. They work collaboratively to devise, develop and present an ensemble performance. Students create work that reflects a specific performance style or one that draws on multiple performance styles and is therefore eclectic in nature. Students devise and shape their work to communicate meaning or to have a specific impact on their audience. In addition, students document and evaluate stages involved in the creation, development and presentation of the ensemble performance. Students analyse and evaluate a professional drama performance selected from the prescribed VCE Drama Unit 3 Playlist. 

Devised Solo Performance

This unit focuses on the development and the presentation of devised solo performances. Students develop skills in extracting dramatic potential from stimulus material and use play-making techniques to develop and present a short solo performance. They experiment with application of symbol and transformation of character, time and place. They apply conventions, dramatic elements, expressive skills, performance skills and performance styles to shape and give meaning to their work. Students further develop and refine these skills as they create a performance in response to a prescribed structure. They consider the use of production areas to enhance their performance and the application of symbol and transformations. Students document and evaluate the stages involved in the creation, development and presentation of their solo performance. 

Mrs Lisa Darlow: ldarlow@cmc.vic.edu.au