Drama Scholarship

Scholarship Drama is a performance-based exam. The candidate will present three solo drama performances, with supporting commentary. The performances are presented live during the senior examination period, but are recorded and assessed by external markers from NZQA. There are strict restrictions on time and space for each section. Students are assessed on their performance skills and their ability to apply dramatic theory in performance. Workshops will begin in Term 2 and 3 after students select individual performance pieces. These may be generated from Level 2 and 3 NCEA work. 

Section one – 5 minutes – scripted performance 

For section one, the candidate will perform an extract or speech by an established playwright that they have selected and prepared before the examination. The candidate will preface their performance with an introductory analysis that includes reference to the genre and significance of the chosen extract, commentary of their interpretive choices and performance intentions and support from relevant drama theory. The time allowed for section one is 5 minutes and the candidate is recommended to spend no more than 90 seconds on presenting the introductory analysis. The candidate must also submit an annotated script. 

Section two – 6 minutes – self-devised work 

Section two is a self-devised piece prepared before the examination, based on their individual exploration of something of relevance to them. The devising process should be supported by research into the work of at least one drama theorist, practitioner, or company. The self-devised piece must be significantly different to the selection for section 1. The performance will also be prefaced be an introductory analysis that includes the purpose of the performance – what has been explored, and connections to the candidate and wider world. They should explain how research of their chosen theorist/practitioner has influenced the development of the performance and detail key moments in the devising process were material was selected or rejected. The time allowed is 6 minutes and the candidate is recommended to spend no more than 2 minutes presenting their introductory analysis. The candidate must also submit an annotated script. 

Section three – 6 minutes – improvisation 

In Section three, the candidate will use elements of drama to create and perform a short sequence as a improvised drama in response to a dramatic prompt. The prompt will be handed to the candidate at the start of the 6 minute timeframe for section three. There is 2 minutes planning time, 2 minutes performing time and 2 minutes for a concluding reflection. Their reflection should include a description of their intentions and reflection on how they were realised in performance. They should comment on how drama elements were integrated into the performance to create dramatic interest. They may also comment on: challenges they identified and solutions they found, the overall structure of their performance and techniques used to shift characters or establish place/action effectively.