Performance: overview of the SQA Advanced Higher Drama practical component

Performance is the largest component of SQA Advanced Higher Drama, worth 50 of the 100 marks, and it is assessed practically by a visiting assessor. Each candidate chooses one option - acting, directing or design - and realises a coherent performance concept for a text. This page maps the option, the skills each demands, and the analysis that underpins all three.

The skills the Performance assesses

Developing performance concepts from text

Using research and advanced textual analysis to interpret a play and arrive at a controlling concept, the intellectual spine of all three options.

Acting skills and concepts

Building and sustaining a truthful role through vocal and physical skills, controlled by objective, motivation, status, given circumstances and subtext.

Directing skills and concepts

Turning an interpretation into a unified production through a directorial concept, blocking, use of stage space, proxemics, pace and rhythm, and work with actors.

Design skills and concepts

Realising a design concept through set, costume, lighting, sound, props and make-up, so the visual and aural world communicates meaning.

How to study the Performance

1. Start from the text. Research and analyse the play before making any practical choice, so your concept is grounded.
2. Fix a coherent concept. State your controlling interpretation in a sentence, then test every choice against it.
3. Master the craft of your option. Drill the specific vocal, physical, directorial or design skills your option assesses.
4. Rehearse to communicate. Aim for an audience to read your concept clearly; the visiting assessor rewards communication, not difficulty.

For the official course specification

The SQA publishes the full Advanced Higher Drama course specification, coursework assessment tasks, and marking instructions at sqa.org.uk. Always revise from the current specification, because the option requirements and assessment arrangements are board-specific and have changed between sessions.