Credit Points 10

Description In this subject, students develop proficiency in a key aspect of theatre-making: script and scene analysis. Working with Australian scripts that showcase diverse characters and stories, students will learn to identify the meanings, emotional and cultural contexts, and character motivations of a scene. Utilising a range of intercultural acting and performance techniques, they will learn to convey these elements on stage. Students will also advance their ability to provide and receive constructive feedback, promoting a collaborative and supportive creative environment. The subject provides a solid foundation for crafting and producing impactful and engaging performances, and is ideal for aspiring drama teachers, practitioners, and anyone interested in creative practices.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Student Contribution Band

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Pre-requisite(s) PERF 1026 Fundamentals of Acting and Theatre

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyse scripts and scenes to identify the moment-to-moment structures of a script using appropriate methods to create authentic and compelling performances.
2. Identify and communicate the social, cultural, and political contexts that inform dramatic works, acting methods, and theatre practices.
3. Demonstrate the relationship between text, actor, and space through practical applications and written work. 
4. Reflect on personal positionality to prepare for scene work, collaboration and performance.
5. Critically evaluate their own work and the work of others to foster continuous improvement. 

Subject Content

1. THE ACTOR’S PROCESS: introduce students to process, the components of performance and production, and the various techniques and methods that actors and theatre-makers use to make work. This includes vocal and movement work, tools of character and context/content analysis, research, character development, emotional preparation, rehearsals and collaboration, and the continued use of practical exercises to support physical and emotional fluency.
2. SCRIPT AND SCENE ANALYSIS: introduction to theories, skills and techniques for critically reading and interpreting a diverse range of dramatic texts and characters. This includes how to work collaboratively on script analysis and how to identify a script’s cultural and social worlds and themes using a multi-perspectival, culturally informed lens. The emphasis will be on Australian texts that are diverse in story and character.
3. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: introduction to skills and practices for critically and creatively analysing and developing characters, including motivation and emotional development, using detailed textual evidence, and insights gained through practical creative exercises.
4. PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUES: exploration of how spaces, actors and texts collaborate to bring dramatic works to life, demonstrated through analysis, research and practice, and using practical exercises in performance styles and dramatic genres.
5. INNOVATIVE THEATRE CREATION: application of learning through the creation of innovative theatre pieces that draw on insights and techniques, and which deploy introductory stagecraft techniques.
6. REFLECTIVE PRACTICE: deepening knowledge of the value of reflecting on practice-informed learning, and best practice for receiving and giving feedback to foster ongoing personal and artistic growth.