Year 12 Drama (Level 2)
Subject Description
Head of Faculty: Mrs N. Eichstaedt McComb.
This course is largely practical and collaborative. In Level 2 Drama, students will research, critically evaluate and refine ideas to develop drama in specific forms. These include Brechtian theatre, documentary theatre, feminist theatre and physical theatre. Students will select and use techniques, conventions and technologies in different performance contexts. They will perform a role in a production for an audience, responding to rehearsal processes and performance protocols. Students will work with prominent theatre company ‘Red Leap’ in workshops to develop tools and skills for devising an original drama. They will also study a true crime documentary from Theatre Aotearoa and prepare an extract for performance. Students will also watch at one live performance at the theatre, which will be written about in the external examination. For this, students analyse theatre aspects and their contribution to a live performance.
Subject Overview
Term 1
The focus in Term 1 is the class production that will be performed for a live audience at the end of the term. Students will read and analyse the scripted text, audition for roles and be cast in the performance. All Level 2 students will have a production performance role but may also support in backstage roles. Class time will focus on character development, blocking and learning lines to perform role using the drama techniques. There will be at least one weekend rehearsal that is compulsory for all performers. The performance is for the public and includes lighting, costumes, props and set. Students are assessed over the process and on their effective performance skills.
Term 2
Students will read a prominent Theatre Aotearoa play, Michelanne Forster’s ‘Daughters of Heaven’ based on a true murder crime from 1950’s New Zealand. This will be accompanied by a study of documentary theatre form and a research project on the historical crime. Students will select a scene/extract from the text that they will prepare and perform for assessment. The focus will be on selecting and using the drama techniques (voice, body, movement, space) to portray a role in a sustained, truthful and convincing manner.
Term 3
The focus in Term 3 is working with practitioners from theatre company ‘Red Leap’ who will lead the students through a series of devising workshops. Students will work collaboratively to create an original drama, using the drama conventions and elements to shape and structure a piece. The drama needs to clearly communicate the group’s chosen intention.
Some students have the option to be involved in the One Act Play Festival during Term 3, an opportunity led by Year 13 student directors.
Term 4
Students prepare for the external examination that requires making insightful connections between drama components in a live drama performance viewed within the calendar year, the director and/or designer’s concept, and the wider context of the play. This is a written examination.
Prerequisites
Year 11 Drama is an advantage, but not a prerequisite. If choosing this subject without having completed Year 11 Drama please have a discussion with the Teacher in Charge.
Pathway
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Drama 2.1 - Apply drama techniques in a scripted context
NZQA Info
Drama 2.2 - Devise and perform a drama to realise an intention
NZQA Info
Drama 2.6 - Perform a substantial acting role in a scripted production
NZQA Info
Drama 2.7 - Discuss drama elements, techniques, conventions and technologies within live performance
NZQA Info
Drama 2.9 - Direct a scene for drama performance
Possible Careers
Diversional and Recreational Therapist, Actor, Advertising Specialist, Copywriter, Personal Trainer/Exercise Professional, Artistic Director, Film and Video Editor, Dancer, Entertainer, Counsellor, Trainer, Musician, Event Manager, Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage), Radio Presenter, Early Childhood Teacher, Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Media Producer, Primary School Teacher, Kaiwhakaako Māori, Model, Nanny/Child Carer, Recreation Co-ordinator, Youth Worker, Secondary School Teacher, Teacher Aide, Television Presenter,