AQA GCSE Drama: devising and performance - process, original drama, the log and acting skills

What this area covers

This area is the practical heart of AQA GCSE Drama. Component 2, Devising drama (40%), combines a devised performance with a devising log, and Component 3, Texts in practice (20%), is the performance of two extracts from one published play. The area covers the devising process, creating original drama, writing the log, and the performance skills assessed throughout.

This guide ties together the four dot-point pages for the area.

The devising process

Devising starts from a stimulus set by AQA. Explore it through research and practical experiment to find a clear intention, generate material using techniques such as improvisation, hot-seating and still images, select the strongest, and shape it into a structure. Then rehearse, review and refine repeatedly. The process itself is assessed in the log.

Creating original drama

Shape the material into effective theatre through deliberate choices: a structure (chronological, episodic or non-linear), a consistent style (naturalism, physical or epic theatre), clear characters, and dramatic devices such as still image, flashback, narration, monologue, multi-role and symbolism. Every choice should serve one clear intention.

The devising log

The devising log (20%, 40 marks) documents and evaluates three stages: creating, developing and refining, and analysing and evaluating the final performance. It assesses your own contribution and reflection, so explain and judge your choices honestly rather than narrating the project.

Performance and acting skills

Both components assess vocal skills, physical skills and interpretive skills (sustaining character, timing, focus, ensemble work). For Texts in practice you perform two extracts from one published play, different from the set play and devised piece, realising the writer's intentions for the audience.

How to revise this area

1. Explore before deciding. Spend real time on the stimulus to find a clear intention.
2. Use devices with purpose. Each structure, style and device must serve the meaning.
3. Write the log throughout. Reflect and evaluate at each stage, not just at the end.
4. Sustain the role. Vocal, physical and interpretive skills must stay consistent and serve character.

The dot points in this area

Each links to a focused answer page: the devising process, creating original drama, the devising log and performance and acting skills.