Credit Points 10

Description This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of drama and stagecraft, ideal for anyone interested in developing their performance skills and connecting with an audience. Through practical exercises, group discussions, scene practice and analysis, students will develop their acting abilities. They will explore the theoretical, practical and historical dimensions of drama, learning how voice, movement, acting techniques, and text combine to create compelling theatre. The subject helps build confidence, self-awareness and a solid foundation in drama. By the end, students will have gained valuable skills and knowledge, preparing them for more advanced drama studies or a lifelong interest in the performing arts.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Student Contribution Band

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Learning Outcomes

1. Build performance skills and explore different approaches to acting and theatre practice. 
2. Understand and reflect on historical impact and key theories from leading theatre and performance practitioners. 
3. Develop and apply improvisational skills to creative and theatrical contexts. 
4. Formulate strategies for effective collaboration and problem-solving within a creative environment. 
5. Critically evaluate and analyse performance processes and theories in both professional productions and personal practice.

Subject Content

1. The Body: An Introduction to voice, movement and character through practice-based work – movement, games and dance, improvisation and speech exercises.  
2. The Basics of Acting:  Introduction to a selection of modern acting and performance practitioners and the basics of their methods. Readings, discussion, technique practice in group.
3. A Brief History of Theatre: Introduction to history and the evolution of theatre from ancient Greece to 21st century. A timeline of major theatre movements and styles. 
4. Improvisation & Scene: Practical work beginning with exercises in improvisation and theatre sports and games, building to a basic introduction of scene work. 
5. Plays & Character – An introduction to Australian/NZ & world texts and characters through readings, discussions, viewings and practice in assessment performance.   
6. Analysis of theatre & performance: Reflection and critical analysis on professional performance and production and self-reflection of learning and progression. Discuss recently viewed performances on stage/screen and reflect on feedback from in class work and performance.