Playbuilding
There are no Work Samples available for this Activity.
Description of activity
Students work in groups to devise and present a two- to four-minute performance demonstrating a selected theme. The performance must incorporate conflict and communicate a message about the theme. Each group must organise the performance using the following structure:
- Devise a still image (tableau) to begin the performance, demonstrating the conflict (focus) which will be developed as the piece progresses.
- Bring the image to life (dynamise) to create dramatic meaning using elements of drama in performance.
Context
Some of the conventions of playbuilding have been established throughout the making, teaching and learning activities in this unit. Students have discussed and improvised ideas, researched themes, and synthesised research ideas in their journals. They have developed narrative structures and characters, and have discussed elements of drama. The activity extends students’ knowledge, understanding and skills of this dramatic form, especially the use of elements of drama in facilitating the development of their piece.
Areas for Assessment
Outcomes
Making (5.1.2)
Contributes, selects, develops and structures ideas in improvisation and playbuilding.
Making (5.1.4)
Explores, structures and refines ideas using dramatic forms, performance styles, dramatic techniques, theatrical conventions and technologies.
Performing (5.2.1)
Applies acting and performance techniques expressively and collaboratively to communicate dramatic meaning.
Performing (5.2.3)
Employs a variety of dramatic forms, performance styles, dramatic techniques, theatrical conventions and technologies to create dramatic meaning.
Criteria for assessing learning
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- develop and refine a scene collaboratively, using elements of drama such as:
- the creation of character or role
- tension
- time, place, situation
- space, structure, language, sound, movement, rhythm, moment
- symbol and atmosphere
- audience engagement
- understanding of improvisation and playbuilding
- awareness of the relationship between actor and audience
- ability to use acting and performance techniques to create and develop conflict including:
- vocal and movement techniques
- body language and physicalisation
- confidence and focus in performance.