VCE - Drama
P A G E 3 6 | P A K E N H A M S E C O N D A R Y C O L L E G E S E N I O R S C H O O L 2 0 2 6 H A N D B O O K
UNIT 1: OVERVIEW
In this unit students' study three or more
performance styles from a range of social,
historical, contemporary and cultural
contexts. They examine the traditions of
storytelling and devise performances
telling stories that go beyond
representations of reality. With this
knowledge, they then create performances
that demonstrate their skills in research,
character creation and creating meaning
for an audience.
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
VCE Drama focuses on the creation and
performance of characters and stories that
communicate ideas, meaning and messages
using contemporary drama-making practices.
Students engage with creative processes,
explore and respond to stimulus material, and
apply play-making techniques to develop and
present devised work. Students learn about,
and draw on, a range of performance styles
and conventions through the investigation of
work by a diverse range of drama practices
and practitioners, including Australian drama
practitioners.
Students explore characteristics of selected
performance styles and apply and manipulate
conventions, dramatic elements, and
production areas, including sustainable ways
to source and apply production areas. They
use performance skills and expressive skills to
explore and develop character(s). Within the
scope of this study, students will create
performances that include transformation of
character, time and place, and application of
symbol. The created works can occur in any
space and be performed for any selected
audience. The work created may pass
comment on or respond to aspects of real-
world issues including political, social and
cultural. Students reflect on, analyse and
evaluate the development and performance of
their own work, and the work and
performances of other drama practitioners.
UNIT 1: AREAS OF STUDY & OUTCOMES
AREA OF STUDY:
1. Creating a Devised Performance
OUTCOME:
On completion of this unit, the student
should be able to devise, demonstrate and
document ensemble drama works based
on experiences and/or stories.
SAC: Ongoing documentation and
development of an ensemble
performance.
AREA OF STUDY:
2. Presenting a Devised Performance
OUTCOME:
On completion of this unit, the student
should be able to perform devised works
to an audience.
SAC: Presentation of the performance
developed for Outcome 1, to an audience.