TCE Theatre Performance Level 3

TCE Theatre Performance Level 3

What will I learn?

Theatre is the presentation of human behaviours, psychology and culture through the intersection of text, bodies, time and space. Theatre Performance develops and enhances a learner’s analytical, evaluative and critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through study and practice in theatrical analysis and research, play script interpretation and engagement in theatrical production processes, learners develop their acting, aesthetic, interpretive and communication skills, and their understanding of culture and society. Learners develop and apply stagecraft knowledge, acting methodologies and skills. They select  and interpret play scripts through engagement in the production process. Learners develop an understanding of themselves as theatre practitioners, and an appreciation of theatre, the craft of acting and its significance as an art form. 

This course is designed to provide learners with practical and creative opportunities to acquire skills, knowledge, understanding and experience of theatre. The course encompasses a comprehensive program of theatre performance at the highest level of complexity offered by TCE syllabuses in this field. 

Working individually and as a member of a theatrical ensemble, learners present polished performances and dramatic monologues to a variety of audiences. Vocal skills are developed and learners explore a range of texts and dramatic techniques. Through class and personal research work, learners study the contexts (the time, place and culture) of play scripts, as well as their language and theatrical possibilities. 

Live theatre performances are viewed and critically analysed, with emphasis placed on the observation of individual acting performances in theatrical contexts. Learners undertaking this course must possess competent acting/ dramatic skills – see Course Content Area 1: Skills – Advancement of Acting/Dramatic Skills, and Stagecraft Skills for more details. 

On successful completion of this course learners will: 

• use a range of vocal skills and techniques to create characters 
• perform and sustain a range of credible characters 
• use stagecraft and theatrical production elements (such as lighting and sound) to achieve polished performances  
• be able to work as a member of a theatrical ensemble to achieve performance outcomes 
• be able to identity and appropriately react to potential hazards in a drama-space environment, and appropriately apply work safe principles and practices. 
• apply skills of theatrical analysis and evaluation to their own acting work, and that of other actors 
• communicate ideas and information about the craft of acting and theatrical practices 
• identify theatrical styles and genres, and their historical and cultural context 
• be able to undertake research about stage and theatre-related issues, abide by the principles of academic integrity and use appropriate referencing (citation) when presenting findings 
• be able to accurately memorise a number of texts 
• perform to live public audiences 

There are five compulsory areas of study in Theatre Performance: 

• Advancement of Acting/Dramatic
• Skills Stagecraft Skills 
• Ensemble Performance 
• Solo Performance 
• Live Theatre Performances Analysis

Internal and external assessment is both practical and written. 

External assessment for Theatre Performance has three components:

1. Theatrical Productions: this will be two polished performances outcome in the form of a short season to a public audience. The second performance is viewed and marked by a TASC appointed panel. The text used will be a published play script selected by the teacher. 
2. Monologue: all learners perform solo a monologue selected from a published play to the same TASC appointed panel. It will convey characterisation different from self and from the character(s) portrayed in the second class production.
3. Individual Reflective Study (IRS): The externally assessed Individual Reflective Study essay is separate to, and distinct from, any Individual Reflective Studies or other forms of written reflections completed for internal assessment. 

Please note: 

• Success in this course is dependent on consistent and active engagement in the course content in the classroom throughout the year.
• Students will be required to attend class rehearsals, a number of which will be scheduled for after school, some Sundays and/or during the Term 3 term break. 
• Students are also required to attend and view live theatrical performances during the year. 
• TASC requires students undertaking this course to be available for the full practical examination time period, the first three weeks of Term 4.

Why should I consider this course? 

• You enjoy working with others on creatively challenging projects
• You enjoy the experience of performing on stage for others
• You enjoy the exploration of texts, periods in history, acting theorists and ways to approach the craft of acting
• You wish to develop your self-confidence, collaborative and public speaking skills
• You are really good at Drama and love the creative content it will provide as part of your Year 11 and 12 academic program
• You are considering auditioning for a tertiary performing arts institution at the end of Year 12

What Skills does this course provide?

This pre-tertiary course provides learners with highly transferable skills. In addition to theatrically specific skills such as acting and ensemble skills, students also gain key literacy, analytical, creative thinking, empathy and problem solving skills.  

Further development of speaking,  self-confidence, self-discipline, decision making and team management skills are all valuable attributes for further study and any workplace. 

What Pathway Options does this course provide?

Theatre Performance provides an excellent platform to prepare for auditions to tertiary performing arts courses both nationally and internationally. 

In addition to acting specific pathways, the skills gained throughout this course support further study and work in fields such as; teaching, event management, television and film industry related study and employment, theatrical design, directing and technical courses, arts administration and management, journalism, human resources, hospitality and community service industries.