What is this subject about?
This course gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in making theatre. You may choose to focus exclusively on areas of design (e.g. costume, makeup, set design, props, sound, lighting, publicity) or you may also do some acting. You will learn how to analyse play scripts so that you can better understand how to interpret them (through design and/or acting) in a performance.
In Unit 1 and 2, we look at a number of plays from different eras, completing both practical and theoretical work on them. In addition, the class will see a professional production and learn how to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of what we have seen.
What are we going to be studying?
Theatre Studies is many subjects in one. It combines knowledge and skills from Literature, History, Politics, Psychology, Media, Visual Arts and Performing Arts, as we develop our understanding of the playscripts being studied.
In Theatre Studies, we investigate why and how plays and theatre have changed over the centuries. We explore ways of applying acting and design to a playscript to enhance an audience’s understanding of the plot, themes, context and style of the play.
We also attend at least one theatrical production and learn how to analyse the acting and design choices made by the creative team. In previous years, classes have gone to see productions such as Storm Boy, 1984, Sweeney Todd and Hamlet.
Where does this subject go?
The skills gained in Theatre Studies are desirable in the workplace and in future studies. Theatre Studies improves students’ creativity, organisational skills, time-management, collaborative skills and confidence. Students also develop their ability to think critically, solve problems and analyse information.
Studying Drama/Theatre Studies can lead to careers such as:
* Actor
* Producer
* Makeup artist
* Film maker
* Set designer
* Drama teacher
* Costume designer
* Publicist or advertiser
* Events manager
* Stage manager
* Journalist or arts reviewer
* Artist (e.g. set painter, sculpture, photographer)
* Writer for film, television, theatre, radio
* Film, stage and television director
* Lighting designer/operator
* Sound designer/operator
* Arts administrator
* Education officer with a theatre company, museum, gallery
Students will need to have completed a Year 9 and/or a Year 10 Drama/Theatre subject to be adequately prepared for VCE Theatre Studies.
