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ScotlandDrama

Production Skills

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

How do costume and make-up support a character and a production at National 5?

Costume and make-up as production skills: using clothing, accessories and make-up (including straight, character and special-effects make-up) to communicate a character's age, status, period, personality and condition, and to support the style and purpose of a production.
An SQA National 5 Drama answer on costume and make-up: how clothing, accessories and make-up communicate a character's age, status, period and personality, the main types of make-up (straight, character, special-effects), and how design choices support the style and purpose of a production.
9 min answer →

What does a director do, and how do directing choices shape a production at National 5?

Directing as a production skill: realising a vision for a production by interpreting the text or devised piece, guiding performers, blocking the action, and coordinating the production skills to communicate a clear concept to an audience.
An SQA National 5 Drama answer on directing: how a director interprets a text or devised piece, develops a concept, guides performers, blocks the action and coordinates the production skills to communicate a clear vision to an audience.
8 min answer →

How does stage lighting create mood, focus and meaning at National 5?

Lighting as a production skill: using intensity, colour, direction, angle and special effects (such as spotlights, blackouts, gobos and fades) to create mood, focus attention, indicate time and place, and support the style and purpose of a production.
An SQA National 5 Drama answer on stage lighting: how intensity, colour, direction and effects such as spotlights, blackouts, gobos and fades create mood, focus attention, indicate time and place, and support the style and purpose of a production.
9 min answer →

How do props, set and the choice of staging shape a production at National 5?

Props, set and staging as production skills: using properties and set design to establish setting, period and mood, and choosing a staging form (proscenium arch, thrust, theatre-in-the-round, traverse or promenade) that suits the production and the audience's relationship to the action.
An SQA National 5 Drama answer on props, set and staging: how properties and set design establish setting, period and mood, and how the staging forms (proscenium arch, thrust, theatre-in-the-round, traverse, promenade) change the audience's relationship to the action.
9 min answer →

How does sound create mood, setting and meaning in a production at National 5?

Sound as a production skill: using music, sound effects, recorded and live sound, volume and timing to create mood and atmosphere, establish setting, signal action and support the style and purpose of a production.
An SQA National 5 Drama answer on sound: how music, sound effects, recorded and live sound, volume and timing create mood, establish setting, signal action and support the style and purpose of a production.
8 min answer →