§-Drama syllabus

Drama syllabus, dot point by dot point

Every dot point in the TAS Drama course document, in syllabus order, with a focused answer for each. Open any dot point for the answer, exam-style questions and links to related points.

Exploring and Devising

Section overview →

How do theatre genres such as tragedy, comedy, verbatim and documentary theatre shape the way a story is built and received?

Identify and apply the conventions of theatre genres such as tragedy, comedy, satire, verbatim, documentary and children's theatre in devising and performance.

6 min read →

What distinguishes the major theatre styles, and how do you apply a style's conventions consistently in your own work?

Identify and apply the conventions of major theatre styles such as naturalism, realism, expressionism and absurdism to making and analysis.

7 min read →

How can physical theatre and Augusto Boal's techniques turn social issues into active, participatory drama?

Apply physical theatre conventions and Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed techniques to devise socially engaged, body-driven performance.

6 min read →

How does an ensemble turn a stimulus into a structured, original piece of devised theatre with a clear intention?

Generate, shape and structure original devised theatre from a stimulus using improvisation, dramatic structure and a defined artistic intention.

6 min read →

Live Theatre Analysis

Section overview →

How do you structure a formal theatre analysis essay that argues how a production created meaning?

Construct a formal analytical essay on live theatre, using evidence and terminology to argue how production choices created meaning and effect.

6 min read →

How does a drama student watch and analyse a live performance to evaluate the choices that created meaning?

Analyse and evaluate a live theatre performance, identifying how acting and production choices created meaning and effect for an audience.

6 min read →

Making and Performing

Section overview →

How does Brecht's epic theatre use distancing techniques to make an audience think rather than simply feel?

Apply Brechtian techniques such as the alienation effect, gestus and direct address to create politically engaged epic theatre.

6 min read →

How do Stanislavski's techniques help an actor build a believable, psychologically truthful character?

Apply Stanislavskian techniques such as the magic if, given circumstances and emotion memory to develop a truthful character in performance.

6 min read →

Presenting and Reflecting

Section overview →

How do production and design roles shape an audience's experience and meaning beyond the actor's performance?

Apply the production and design elements of theatre, set, lighting, sound, costume and direction, to support the intention of a performance.

6 min read →

How does an actor present polished ensemble and solo work that meets external performance assessment requirements?

Present sustained, controlled ensemble and solo performances that communicate character and intention to an audience under assessment conditions.

6 min read →

How does a drama student reflect on their own creative process to show evaluative thinking and growth?

Reflect on and evaluate your own drama process and performance, justifying choices and identifying growth using accurate terminology.

6 min read →

Skills Development

Section overview →

What are the elements of drama and how does precise drama terminology let you build and discuss performance?

Understand and apply the elements of drama and accurate drama terminology to shape, describe and analyse performance.

6 min read →

How does an actor build a full, physically and vocally distinct character that is more than themselves with a costume?

Develop characters with distinct physical, vocal and psychological choices using role-building tools such as hot-seating, status and physical transformation.

6 min read →

How does a group build the trust, listening and safe working habits that make collaborative drama possible?

Develop group dynamics, trust, collaborative working habits and safe practice that underpin ensemble drama and rehearsal.

6 min read →

How do you train improvisation as a reliable, repeatable skill rather than relying on luck or jokes?

Develop and apply improvisation techniques as a discrete skill set and as a tool for rehearsal and devising.

6 min read →

How does an actor train voice, body and focus so the instrument is reliable and expressive under exam conditions?

Develop and apply foundational vocal, physical and concentration skills to perform with clarity, control and expressive range.

6 min read →