Theatre Studies Unit 2: Modern Theatre Styles and Conventions

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this unit.

Course Description

This unit focusses on the application of acting, direction and design in relation to theatre styles from the modern era; that is, the 1920s to the present. Students creatively and imaginatively work in production roles with scripts from the modern era of theatre, focussing on at least three distinct theatre styles. They study innovations in theatre production in the modern era and apply this knowledge to their own works. Students develop knowledge and skills about theatre production processes including dramaturgy, planning, development and performance to an audience and apply this to their work. They study safe and ethical working practices in theatre production and develop skills of performance analysis, which they apply to the analysis of a play in performance.

Theatre styles from the modern era of theatre include Epic theatre, Constructivist theatre, Theatre of the Absurd, Political theatre, Feminist theatre, Expressionism, Eclectic theatre Physical theatre, Theatre-in-education, Verbatim theatre, and Immersive/Interactive theatre.

Production roles:

For Area of Study 2, students are required to work in at least two production roles. Production roles for Area of Study 2 are:

• actor;

• director;

• designer – any one or more of costume, make-up, props, set, lighting, sound.

Areas of Study

Exploring modern theatre styles and conventions

In this area of study, students study scripts from the modern era of theatre and investigate innovations in theatre practice from the 1920s to the present. They study at least three distinct theatre styles of the modern era, as well as scripts associated with each. 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 modern theatre.

Interpreting scripts

In this area of study, students work in at least two of the production roles of actor, director and/or designer to realise scripts from at least three distinct theatre styles from the modern era. Through this work, students gain an understanding of how production teams can work collaboratively to interpret scripts. They also learn how work in production roles is informed by and contributes to the development of different theatre styles and consider ways that theatre production work is itself shaped by the styles and contexts of the scripts.

Students learn about theatre production processes including dramaturgy, planning, development and performance to an audience, and apply this to their work. Throughout the production process, students will have opportunities to develop oral skills by participating in discussions and explaining how their work in production roles contributes to realising the production aims. They study and apply elements of theatre composition and safe and ethical working practices in theatre production. ​

Analysing and evaluating a theatre production

In this area of study, students focus on analysis and evaluation of a professional theatre production of a script. They study the nature of theatre production analysis and evaluation, including the application of acting, direction and design and their effect on an audience. Students study the use of theatre technologies and elements of theatre composition in professional theatre performance. Where possible, for this area of study students should analyse a modern play in performance.

Assessment

Outcome 1: Preparing for Performance: technical exercises and discussion.

Outcome 2: Recital: presentation of at least two works.

Outcome 3: Written assessment including oral, aural and analysis.

Overall Final Assessment

End of Semester Examination – 1.5 hours.

Information can be obtained from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, Victoria, Australia: www.vcaa.vic.edu.au