Our Country’s GoodFrom Page To StageUnit 1

From Page to StageWhat is the Focus of the unit

• The Focus of the unit is how a published script is brought to life for an audience.

• The emphasis is on the original intention of the playwrite. NOT DEVISING

You will need to

• Establish The Playwright’s intention

• Establish the key features of the genre and related performance style

• Identify the historical and cultural context and how that might impact on any performance.

• Identify the design elements indicated in the script and adopt or add to these in a way that supports the interpretation decided upon

• Develop and practice the necessary performance skills needed to deliver an effective performance of the interpretation of a chosen extract

• Rehearse the developed piece for final performance.

Areas of StudyYou must show an understanding and appreciation of Areas of Study

• Character, context and plot

• Structure• Audience and Defining

performance space• Improvisation• Genre, performance

style and convention• The semiotics of

Drama and Theatre

To Bring the Script to life

• You must explore the roles of – Designer– Director– Performer

You must develop and demonstrate an ability to:

• Apply performance and production skills

• Acquire reflective and evaluative skills in response to the Script

• Work collaboratively and creatively to achieve shared dramatic intentions

Workshop sessions• We will be taking

part in workshop sessions to introduce you to the script and its main themes.

• It is up to you to the take these ideas and develop them further

AssessmentAssessment is in Controlled Conditions Again• You will be assessed on

your working Record– These are all your ideas

and workings leading up to your final performance.

• Final performance of Extract– This is the culmination of

your ideas based on the intention of the script and you ideas in your working record.

• 20 marks

• 40 marks

• Total 60 Marks

The working process

• The working process is designed to reflect the work of proffesionals and covers 5 stages needed to create a performance.

The 5 Stages • Preparation• Exploration• Rehearsal• Performance• Review

5 Sections in Brief

• Preparation• Exploration

• Rehearsal

• Performance• Review

• This is research• Trying ideas/

workshop lessons• Formulating all

ideas ready for performance

• Evaluation

Preparation and ExplorationPreparation - Research• Examine the Social,

Cultural and Historical context of the play

• Identify the genre, performance style and Audience

• Investigate the intention of the playwright

• Areas of Study

Exploration – Based on the script as written

• Take part as a Performer and director in workshops of the script

• Consider the Design Implications of the script and within the time constraints apply elements of design where possible

Rehearsal and Performance

Rehearsal• Start of Controlled

Conditions• Direct Sections of the

script applying ideas generated from previous workshops or creating a new interpretation.

• Prepare for performance as a Performer

• Complete Second Section of Working Record Charting Rehearsals

Performance• Perform the

rehearsed section of Script

Review

• Review of intention of Areas of study

• Reflection on Performances

• If I had more time• Review of another

group

How to set out Working Record

• There are many different ways to set out your working Record.

• Outlined is just an example of how to do it.

Preparation

Social, Cultural and Historical

Research• On the Playwright• When Play was Written• When play was set

– What was going on at this time

• Is it still relevant now. – Other production– Costume

• Anything that helps you form your own opinion

• Playwright intention• Genre of The

Script/Practitioner influences

• Annotations of all you have found and how it has helped your understanding

Exploration

During the read throughInitial thoughts whilst reading through

• This could be elements that highlight the playwrights original intention– This could be anything

that highlights the theme

– Enhances Character– Develops plot– Relates directly to

historical event

• Look for use of language– As it was written

by the playwright– Crime and

Punishment– Redemption– Societies views

Once you have found

these bits highlight

annotate and use to

help you make

decisions later on

Do this by cutting

and sticking.

Highlighting and

annotatingRemember when annotatingDon’t forget to say

Why

Why

Why

Why

Why

Why

Why

Workshop sessionKeep a record of the workshop sessions

• This could be exercises we have done

• Character development exercises

• Set• Props • Character relationship

Reflect on the session • This is what you

have personally found out from doing the sessions and should spark ideas of what section/ character you would like to work on.

Idea for development

• Idea for a monologue piece and Why?

• Idea for a duologue Piece and Why?

• Idea for a group piece and why?

Final Idea• What you are

doing and how that fits with the playwrights intention

Areas of StudyThis is directly linked to your final Idea

• Character, context and plot

• Structure

• Audience and Defining performance space

• Improvisation

• Genre, performance style and convention

• The semiotics of Drama and Theatre

Rehearsal

Throughout the Rehearsal

• Description of Character in context must be coherent and justified

• Ideas for use of performance space

• Capture important essence of the script for performance

• Semiotics combine sound, lighting, projection to combine in a unified way.

• Practitioner influences on your work.

• Subject vocab throughout.

Rehearsal

This is what you are doing to get you piece ready for rehearsal

• You can split this into sections if you want.

• Script – Annotated • Costume • Set Design• Semiotics• Lighting• Staging

And WHY!!!!!!• Or you can work

through it session by session.

• This is spread out not just on one page.

• It is as long as it has to be.

Performance

What I am looking for• Use and selection of

stage space. – Integrated with the

theme

• Good Command of the demands placed on the performer by the script.

• Use of Voice and gesture– Well crafted

Characterisation– Works productively

with others• Semiotics –

costume/properties/technical aspects/ symbolism works with the theme of the text.

• Gives insight into character, creates mood, adds layers and meaning for audience

Review

Review

Your own piece• Areas of study• Evaluate

– Directing, Acting, Design

• Context of text extract • All analysed with

perception• If I had more time.

Work of others• The practitioner

influences• Ideas of others• How they brought

the section to life.