DRAMATIC ARTS
Introduction
Welcome to the magical, creative and inspirationalworld of Dramatic Arts. You have decided to specialise in one of the 5 Art subjects available on FET level, Grade 10 – 12. You will have to apply specialist drama skills, knowledge and attitudes to achieve success in this subject.
Drama is a social art form which integrates visual,
aural, physical, kinaesthetic and performance
elements to communicate, explore, reflect on and
enhance human experience. You will be encouraged to develop your own opinions, viewpoints, personality, character and
creative self. This will take place in a high risk low threat environment.
Some of the careers you can choose if you take
the subject Dramatic Arts are sound operator and
designer, lighting operator and designer, costume
designer, wardrobe mistress, make-up artist, arts
administrator, stage manager, actor, voice artist,
theatre maker, director, educator, casting agent,
comedian, cabaret artist or set designer.
Content in Grades 10, 11 and 12
The curriculum has four topics:
Personal ResourcesDevelopment
• Speech: rate, pace, pause, phrasing, tone, register,projection
• Voice work: breathing, tools of modulation,
verbal dynamics, characterization, regional
dialects and accents
• Body work: release of tension, physical
expression, gesture, movement, neutral posture,
use of energy, flexibility, physical theatre
Acting and Performance
• Mastery of the following skills: acting, reading, characterisation, interpretation of subtext, interaction, workshopping, acting a character, acting in style, Performance of dramatic and cultural forms such as: poetry, recitals, dramatized prose, mime, monologue, work, scene work
• The world of plays and performances: subtext,
characters, themes, socio-economic and political
background, given circumstances, improvisation,
scenery, properties, lighting, costumes, make-up,
stage management
Performance Texts in Context
• Analysis of plays across the world and in South Africa. Focus will be on the following genres and
dramatic movements: African dramatic forms, Communal Theatre Making in South Africa,
Elizabethan Theatre, commedia dell’ arte, Greek
Theatre, Indian Theatre, Theatre of the Absurd, Epic Theatre, PostModern Theatre, Poor Theatre and Contemporary South African Theatre
• Relationships between texts: historical, social,
political, cultural, theatrical and economic
influences
Theatre (and/or Film) Production
• The basic design elements (visual and aural) of a play. Principles and elements of drama. The role of the designer, director, playwright and audience. The production process.
School Based Assessment
In each of Grades 10 – 12 you will be expected to
complete the following 7 assessment tasks:
• Three Performance Assessment Tasks
• Two tests and
• Two Examinations
Your educators will explain the requirements of eachof these assessment tasks. They will ensure thatyou understand what you will be assessed on, howit will happen and what is expected from you. Therubrics and criteria will be given to you in advanceof completing the tasks.
Hand in all your assessment tasks. This will give youa good chance of passing and doing well.
Tips for Success
The tuition time for Dramatic Arts is 4 hours per
week. However, Dramatic Arts is a challenging
subject and in choosing it you have to be preparedto work hard and independently. You must do voice and body exercises on a daily basis. Attend all your classes and doyour homework every day. Attend all additional rehearsals organised after school.
You are privaledge to attend a school that offers this special subject. With my best wishes; ‘break a leg’!