DRAMA SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship Drama provides the opportunity for students to extend themselves as performers and creators in a collaborative, analytical, fun and focused environment. In our weekly, afternoon sessions we focus on exploring a wide range of texts, theatre forms and theatrical styles to develop a deeper understanding of what it means to perform with impact, sincerity and humour. 

Those that choose to participate in Scholarship Drama are provided with opportunities to work and perform with local professionals to further hone their skills and have them thoroughly prepared for the end of year examination.

The Scholarship Drama exam involves the following:
Part 1: Text-based performance
An extract or speech written by an established playwright, for example is to be selected and prepared before the examination when it is to be performed by the candidate.

The performance of the extract is to be preceded by an oral introductory analysis, presented to camera. This will include reference to genre and the significance of the chosen extract.

Candidates will detail interpretive choices and performative intentions, supported by relevant drama theory.

Candidates are required to give an annotated script of the text-based piece to the supervisor at the start of the examination.

PART 2: Self-devised performance

The self-devised performance is based on the candidate’s individual exploration of something of relevance to them. They must support their devising process with research into the work of at least one established drama theorist, practitioner, or company.

The self-devised performance is to be preceded by a prepared oral introductory analysis that:

describes the purpose of the performance; what has been explored; connections to the candidate and the wider world explains how research into the chosen theorist, practitioner, or theatre company has influenced / informed the development of the performance details key moments in the devising process where dramatic material was selected or rejected to refine the performance.

PART 3: Impromptu performance

The nationally prescribed task for impromptu performance will require the candidate to use elements of drama to create a short sequence within a restricted time in response to a dramatic prompt. The task will be handed to the candidate and retained by the candidate until after the performance.

The candidate will be given a total of six minutes to plan, perform, and reflect on their performance to the camera.

After the impromptu performance, the candidate may refer back to the task while presenting to camera.

The reflection will focus on how drama elements have been integrated into the performance to create dramatic interest. It will include an analysis of their intentions, as well as a reflection on their performance.

It is highly beneficial for students to have taken Drama from Years 10 - 13, as we draw from the learning done in those classes. If a student has not taken Drama at Wellington College they are still eligible to be involved in Scholarship, but it is preferable they have been involved in after school programs where they have studied international theatre forms, and honed their craft as actors.

As well as this, those who are successful in scholarship have:

• • an open mind and the will to focus.

  • the ability to listen and work autonomously.

  • the ability to accept feedback and act on feed forward.

  • the ability to think critically and be adaptive to arrange of learning environments

  • a sense of humour and a positive outlook to class.