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ScotlandDrama

Performance

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What does the acting option demand, and which vocal, physical and characterisation concepts create a role at Advanced Higher level?

Acting skills and concepts: the vocal, physical, characterisation and interaction skills the acting option assesses, and the concepts (objective, motivation, status, given circumstances, subtext) that build a sustained, truthful role from a text.
The acting option of SQA Advanced Higher Drama Performance: the vocal, physical, characterisation and interaction skills assessed, and the concepts - objective, motivation, status, given circumstances and subtext - that build a sustained, truthful role from a text.
12 min answer →

What does the design option assess, and how do set, costume, lighting and sound design realise an interpretation of a text?

Design skills and concepts: the design option's craft - developing a design concept and realising it through set, costume, lighting, sound, props and make-up - so that the visual and aural world of a production communicates an interpretation to an audience.
The design option of SQA Advanced Higher Drama Performance: developing a design concept and realising it through set, costume, lighting, sound, props and make-up so that the visual and aural world of a production communicates an interpretation of a text to an audience.
12 min answer →

How do you move from research and textual analysis to a coherent performance concept that controls every acting, directing or design choice?

Developing performance concepts from text: using research and advanced textual analysis to interpret a play - its meaning, themes, structure, characters and theatrical demands - and to arrive at a coherent performance concept that governs the realisation in any option.
The skill underpinning every Performance option in SQA Advanced Higher Drama: using research and advanced textual analysis to interpret a play - meaning, themes, structure, characters, theatrical demands - and arrive at a coherent performance concept that controls the realisation in acting, directing or design.
12 min answer →

What does the directing option assess, and how does a director turn a reading of a text into staging, blocking and work with actors?

Directing skills and concepts: the director's craft assessed in the directing option - interpreting the text, developing a directorial concept, blocking and use of stage space, proxemics, pace and rhythm, and working with actors to realise a unified production.
The directing option of SQA Advanced Higher Drama Performance: interpreting a text into a directorial concept, then realising it through blocking, use of stage space, proxemics, pace, rhythm and work with actors to create a unified production an audience can read.
12 min answer →

What does the 50 mark Performance involve, and how do you choose and prepare an acting, directing or design option?

The Performance component (50 marks): an overview of the practical coursework in which a candidate chooses one option - acting, directing or design - and uses research, textual analysis and rehearsal to realise a coherent performance concept for a text in front of a visiting assessor.
An overview of the 50 mark Performance in SQA Advanced Higher Drama: choosing one option - acting, directing or design - and using research, textual analysis and rehearsal to realise a coherent performance concept for a text, assessed practically by a visiting assessor.
11 min answer →