Sample work Drama Stage 5: Street theatre
Work samples aligned to grades assist teachers to develop their understanding of the achievement standards at each grade level.
Description of activity
Each group collaborates to research, devise and perform a 2 to 3-minute street theatre performance to the class in an outhoor space, using a range of appropriate techniques and conventions of street theatre. the students will demonstrate the chosen protest theme and create a desired dramatic intention and meaning for an intended audience.
Context
this activity occurs midway through the unit, monitoring progress and process and developing students’ knowledge, skills and understanding of the dramatic form of street theatre.
the making, teaching and learning activities establish some of the conventions of street theatre and protest theatre. Students choose an issue about which they wish to protest, research this issue and develop some structures using the conventions of street theatre. they focus on the use of visual imagery, props and performance conventions in the development of a piece of street theatre to be performed in a selected outhoor venue to an intended audience at the end of the unit.
Outcomes
Making
A student:
- 5.1.4 explores, structures and refines ideas using dramatic forms, performance styles, dramatic techniques, theatrical conventions and technologies.
Performing
A student:
- 5.2.1 applies acting and performance techniques expressively and collaboratively to communicate dramatic meaning
- 5.2.2 selects and uses performance spaces, theatre conventions and production elements appropriate to purpose and audience
- 5.2.3 employs a variety of dramatic forms, performance styles, dramatic techniques, theatrical conventions and technologies to create dramatic meaning.
Appreciating
- 5.3.1 responds to, reflects on and evaluates elements of drama, dramatic forms, performance styles, dramatic techniques and theatrical conventions
- 5.3.2 analyses the contemporary and historical contexts of drama.
Criteria for assessing learning
(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)
Assessment will be based on the work of the individual in each group.
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- create an intended meaning for an audience using the dramatic techniques and theatrical conventions of street theatre such as:
- music, musical instruments, sound
- colour, large-scale visual imagery, symbols
- props, banners, signs and slogans
- use of levels and space
- repetition of dialogue, chanting, chorus.
- use acting and performance techniques appropriate to the dramatic form of street theatre with an awareness of the relationship developed between performer and audience, including such techniques as:
- vocal and physicalisation skills
- realistic and abstract movements
- confidence and focus in an outhoor performance space
- selection and use of appropriate performance space, production elements and technologies to communicate a clear dramatic intention, in the form of a protest, to an intended audience.
Graded student work samples
Grade C sample: Street theatre – Lee
Drama Stage 5
Work sample feedback
Lee
Lee demonstrates an understanding of the elements of drama within the context of street theatre. She uses dramatic devices such as banners, chants, movement and chorus work to create meaning for the audience.
Lee uses space and levels reasonably well, and demonstrates an awareness of the relationship between audience and performer. She exhibits a degree of focus and commitment in her roles and attempts to establish a character through accent work; however, her speech in this part lacks clarity. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade C standard.