Unit Two

Pre-modern theatre styles and conventions

How will you be assessed?

SAC: Research task and workshop presentation(20 marks)

Area of Study 1

Exploring pre-modern theatre styles and conventions Outcome 1: On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify and describe distinguishing features of theatre styles and scripts from the pre-modern era.

Students study scripts from the pre-modern era of theatre, that is, works prior to the 1920s. They study at least three distinct theatre styles from the pre-modern era and the conventions and scripts associated with each. Students study innovations in theatre production in the pre-modern era. They learn about contexts, cultural origins, production roles and performance possibilities for each of the selected theatre styles. Through practical workshops students gain knowledge of how these styles shaped and contributed to the world of premodern theatre.

Key knowledge

Conventions of three or more theatre styles from the pre-modern eraApproaches to interpreting scripts from the pre-modern era Contexts from the pre-modern eraThe use and application of theatre styles, dramaturgy, acting skills, directorial skills and design skills to shape interpretations of scripts from the pre-modern era Approaches to creating and manipulating actor–audience relationships in the interpretation of scripts from the pre-modern era Working practices in production roles to interpret scripts from the pre-modern era Innovative practices established in theatre production in the pre-modern era Theatre terminology and expressions.

Key skills

Identify and describe conventions of theatre styles from the pre-modern era Research texts and contexts of scripts Apply knowledge of theatre styles and acting, directorial and design skills to shape interpretations of scripts from the pre-modern era Describe actor–audience relationshipsUndertake dramaturgy and work in production roles to interpret scripts Identify and describe innovative practices established in theatre production in the pre-modern eraUse theatre terminology and expressions in writing and discussion

How will you be assessed?

SAC: Apply two production roles to interpret two pre-modern monologues to be performed in front of an audience.(20 marks)

Area of Study 2

Interpreting ScriptsOutcome 2 On completion of this unit the student should be able to work creatively and imaginatively in production roles to interpret scripts from the pre-modern era.

Students focus on the presentation of scripts from the pre-modern era of theatre. They work creatively and imaginatively in two production roles to interpret scripts from three or more distinct theatre styles of the pre-modern era. Students study and apply relevant conventions and consider how work in production roles is informed by different theatre styles and contexts. They learn about processes for developing characters and consider the influence of the audience on work in production roles to enhance text interpretation. They study and apply elements of theatre composition and safe working practices in theatre production.

Key knowledge

Three or more theatre styles from the pre-modern era and the conventions of those stylesElements of theatre compositionApproaches to creatively and imaginatively interpreting scriptsThe use of dramaturgy in theatre productionThe contexts of selected scriptsThe use of acting, direction and design to realise theatre styles from the pre-modern era Ways of using elements of theatre composition to realise possibilities within a scriptApproaches to applying the production roles of actor, director and/or designer to interpret pre-modern theatre scriptsSafe working practices in theatre production The role of the audience in the pre-modern eraThe use of theatre technologies in theatre production.

Key skills

Interpret scriptsApply elements of theatre composition to realise possibilities within a scriptApply dramaturgical processes to interpret scripts Convey the contexts of selected scriptsApply appropriate theatre styles and conventions to present interpretations of selected scriptsEmploy at least two production roles to interpret scriptsApply theatre technologies and elements of theatre composition to enhance interpretation of a script in performanceApply safe working practices in theatre production.

How will you be assessed?

SAC: Written responses to set questions.

Area of Study 3

Analysing a play in performanceOutcome 3: On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse a performance of a script.

Students focus on an analysis of a professional performance of a script. They study the nature of performance analysis, including audience perspective, acting skills, directorial skills and design skills, and the ways in which the contexts and theatre styles identified or implied in a script are interpreted in performance. Students study the use of theatre technologies and the elements of theatre composition in professional theatre performance. Where possible, students should analyse a pre-modern play in performance.

Key knowledge

Nature of performance analysisHow theatrical interpretations are informed by the contexts of the script Approaches to using theatre styles to shape a performance, including use of elements of theatre compositionActing, direction and design techniques applied to a play in performanceWays in which an audience constructs meaning from a theatre performanceEstablishment and maintenance of actor–audience relationshipsUse of theatre technologies in theatre performanceUse of elements of theatre composition evident in a theatre performanceTheatre terminology and expressions

Key skills

Analyse a theatre performance focusing on:

ways in which meaning is constructed by an audience
ways in which the performance is informed by the contexts of the script
how theatre styles are applied in a performance
the use of production roles in a performance
the use of technologies in a performance
the use of elements of theatre composition evident in a performance

Use theatre terminology and expressions in discussion and in writing.

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