1. VCE DRAMA Subject Selection – Units 3&4

2. VCE Drama Units 3&4 focus on non-naturalistic devised drama.
Course Description
VCE Drama Units 3&4 focus on non-naturalistic devised drama.
Students explore non-naturalistic performance styles and associated conventions from a diverse range of contemporary and cultural performance traditions and work collaboratively to devise, develop and present original ensemble and solo performances.
The study of VCE Drama places emphasis on the development of the actors’ expressive skills and understanding of how these elements are applied within the context of a performance. It also focuses on the development and performance of imaginary characters.
This is achieved through the fine-tuning of processes, techniques and skills in the creation and performance of ensemble and solo works. Students gain an understanding in the use and application of non naturalistic acting techniques and conventions and the analysis of professional performances and evaluation of their own creative process.

3. Why Study this? Work Tasks Assessment tasks
Build a glossary of words to describe drama elements and conventions and how they are used and shown.
Devise and document solo and/or ensemble drama work(s) based on experience or stories
Perform a devised drama work to an audience
Analyse the development and performance to an audience of your non-naturalistic devised work
Analyse the portrayal of stories and characters in a drama performance by professional drama practitioners
Prepare and perform a minute group ensemble performance piece to an audience- Unit 3
Prepare and perform a short self-devised solo piece to an audience – Unit 4
Participate in regular drama workshops, applying acting techniques and stagecraft to collaborate with peers and prepare for performances.
Completion of a log booklet of the creative process in writing your own dramatic work.
Analyse your own self-devised work using the dramatic elements and performance styles
Analyse a professional performance of a prescribed play.

4. UNIT 3 ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE Semester 1 – SAC’s
Outcome 1 – Devising and presenting non-naturalistic ensemble performance (80 marks)  
Using the Playmaking steps to make a performance
Presentation of Ensemble at an evening performance
Outcome 2 – Responding to devised ensemble performances (20 marks)
SAC Test – responses to short answer questions – reflection and analysis of your own work
Outcome 3 – Analysing non-naturalistic performance (20 marks)
SAC Test – Responses to short answer questions – analysis of the play we are going to see

5. UNIT 4 – SOLOPERFORMANCE Semester 2 – SAC’s
Outcome 1 – Working with stimulus material (20 marks)
Creation of 1 – 3 minute mini solo, based on a simple stimulus
Focus on the creation of and manipulation of theatrical conventions
Combined with a very short written explanation
Outcome 2 - Devising a non-naturalistic solo performance
Externally Assessed by VCAA (Solo performance Exam)
Outcome 3 – Analysing devised non-naturalistic performance (20 marks)
A written report – Backed up with references to your drama journal.

6. Unit 4 END OF YEAR EXAMS End of year performance examination
End of year performance examination
7 minute solo
Based on one of the listed options released by VCAA in April
Assessment date: in October – Date confirmed closer to the day
Constitutes 35% of your final grade
End of year written examination
90 minute exam
Part 1 is creating performance from stimulus
Part 2 is analysis of performance seen in term 1 or 2
Held during exam period
Constitutes 25% of your final grade

7. Subject pathway….
Unit 1 & 2 Drama prepares you for VCE Drama and/or Theatre Studies
VCE Drama develops your ability to present to an audience in a convincing and confident manner. This is relevant to many career paths where communication and interpersonal skills are valued.

8. STUDYING DRAMA CAN LEAD TO:

9. Extra activities/costs?
There may be opportunity to travel to Melbourne to watch a professional performance of a play from the VCE Playlist. There will be no extra cost for this excursion.
There may also be opportunities to attend external or internal workshops with visiting professional performers and theatre professionals.

10. More information….
Eliza Tarpey