Theatre: A New Course @ Preshil

Introducing DP Theatre to Preshil

by Kate Ellis, teacher of Drama and Language & Literature

Theatre in the Diploma is for those interested in a career and fostering a passion in the Dramatic Arts. The core areas of the Theatre program are Theatre in Context, Theatre Processes and Presenting Theatre. Students are required to understand the relationship between these areas and how each area informs and impacts their work as Creator, Designer, Director and Performer in Theatre.

THEATRE IN CONTEXT - This area of the syllabus addresses the students’ understanding that Theatre does not occur in a vacuum.

THEATRE PROCESSES - This area of the syllabus addresses the students’ exploration of the skills, techniques and processes involved in theatre-making. Students reflect on their own creative processes and skills acquisition as well as gaining a practical understanding of the processes of others; Creators, Designers, Directors and Performers.

PRESENTING THEATRE - This area of the syllabus addresses the staging and presentation of Theatre as well as the presentation of ideas, research and discoveries through diverse modes of presentation, both practical and written. Students consider the impact Theatre can have on the spectator. They are encouraged to think about their own artistic intentions as Creators, Designers, Directors and Performers and the impact they wish to have on an audience.

In the Year 11 transition classes, Theatre students Olivia, Lucinda, Eleanor, Abi and new Preshilian Ben, explored who they might be as Theatre Practitioners. Working collaboratively, they investigated the nature of set design using stimulus and props; direction and performance using improvisation and play-building techniques; and read and produced their own Theatre Manifesto. This was a particularly special part of the transition classes as students stood and delivered what they believe Theatre is and should be.

See some excerpts below... it’s going to be a wonderful two years!

Lucinda’s manifesto:

Theatre is not an exam... not criteria. You shall not be assessed for an ATAR. How dare you ruin them like that. And yes, I said them. Who is saying theatre can’t be an actual living thing?

Theatre should be treated as a being that you can’t control but only observe. Let it breathe. Let it spread its wings... People have been thinking for too long that theatre is a privilege to be shown in expensive halls and be made for the rich. Art should not be a business. Theatre should be cheap and available to everyone and everything in its path. Theatre is an escape from your reality to touch someone else's.

Eleanor’s manifesto:

I believe that good theatre entertains and amuses. Great theatre disturbs, amazes and confuses. I believe that theatre is a place to question power and encounter new ideas. I believe that if the audience hears what they have been expecting to hear the theatre has failed them. I believe that theatre is a space to be moved. I believe that theatre should be inclusive of everyone. Change the words ‘I want to’ to ‘I will’.

Abi’s manifesto:

… theatre can be anything around us and anything engulfing us. I believe theatre is a part of us whether we enjoy it or not. Theatre is tears, it is joy, pain, love and anger. Theatre circulates our life every day and helps us express our emotions. I believe we should stop attempting to tell theatre what it should be, it’s not going to listen. That we should let our emotions come out the way they intend to, rather than workshop them into an unrealistic emotion characterised as ‘ideal’. I believe that emotions are different for everyone and therefore the translation of that being theatre should be too.

Olivia’s manifesto:

I’m here for the fun, for the thrill, for the joy of all eyes on me, the exhilaration of taking an audience and holding them in the palm of your hand, for the heat of the stage lights and the glamour of costumes, the transportive set, the endless rehearsals, the sore throats, the aching muscles. Here through blood, sweat and tears, through thick and thin, from the moment you open the script to the final curtain call on closing night. I’m here through it all. Are you?