DRAMA Details of exam Section A • Rehearsal techniques for the characters • Know how these rehearsal techniques help to prepare the actor for that role • Comment on the social class of the characters and find a line that supports this • Identify the atmosphere of a scene and be able to choose a line that illustrates that atmosphere • Describe the relationship between characters in an extract • Think about how you would use tone and tempo (speed) to deliver particular lines • Costume design for the characters and explain what this costume communicates about their characters • Acting – consider how you would play ANY character in the play. List what contrasting extracts you can find for each character. Track the character from the beginning, middle, and end of the scene. Remember: Context, Motivation, Voice, Movement, Interaction • Design – how sound and light can be used to create atmosphere. Consider set and props • Thrust, In the round, End on, or Traverse staging Section B You will be asked to analyse and evaluate an element from one production you have seen this year
Elements to consider 1. actor • interpretation of character • character interaction • vocal skills • movement skills
2. designer • creation of mood and atmosphere • use of performance space • lighting • sound • set and props • costume and make-up
3. director • interpretation and style • performance conventions • spatial relationships on stage • relationship between performer and audience 4. reaction and response • individual • audience
Topics to revise You will need to revise: • • • • • •
Style of the production The aims of scene What the actors/design elements did to communicate aims and style How far the actors went in communicating their aims Think about vocabulary needed to communicate how well someone has done something i.e. convincingly You must mention your personal response to the moment
Other tips • • • • •
Look at the number of marks awarded for each question Read the question – they will be unpredictable You are advised to spend 1 hour 5 mins on Section A, and 25 minutes on Section B Those with extra time will get an extra 22 mins VERY IMPORTANT – always explain your creative choices
12
