DRAMATIC ARTS
Introduction
Welcome to the magical, creative and
inspirational world of Dramatic Arts. You have
decided to specialise in one of the 5 Art subjects
available on FET level, Grade 10 – 12. You will
have to apply specialist drama skills, knowledge
and attitudes to achieve success in this subject.
Drama is a social art form which integrates visual,
aural, physical, kinaesthetic and performance
elements to communicate, explore, reflect on and
enhance human experience. You will be
encouraged to develop your own opinions,
viewpoints, personality, character and
creative self. This will take place in a high risk low
threat environment.
Some of the careers you can choose if you take
the subject Dramatic Arts are sound operator and
designer, lighting operator and designer, costume
designer, wardrobe mistress, make-up artist, arts
administrator, stage manager, actor, voice artist,
theatre maker, director, educator, casting agent,
comedian, cabaret artist or set designer.
Content in Grades 10, 11 and 12
The curriculum has four topics:
Personal Resources Development
• Speech: rate, pace, pause, phrasing, tone,
register, projection
• Voice work: breathing, tools of modulation,
verbal dynamics, characterization, regional
dialects and accents
• Body work: release of tension, physical
expression, gesture, movement, neutral posture,
use of energy, flexibility, physical theatre
Acting and Performance
• Mastery of the following skills: acting, reading,
characterisation, interpretation of subtext,
interaction, workshopping, acting a character,
acting in style, Performance of dramatic and
cultural forms such as: poetry, recitals,
dramatized prose, mime, monologue, work, scene
work
• The world of plays and performances: subtext,
characters, themes, socio-economic and political
background, given circumstances, improvisation,
scenery, properties, lighting, costumes, make-up,
stage management
Performance Texts in Context
• Analysis of plays across the world and in South
Africa. Focus will be on the following genres and
dramatic movements: African dramatic forms,
Communal Theatre Making in South Africa,
Elizabethan Theatre, commedia dell’ arte, Greek
Theatre, Indian Theatre, Theatre of the Absurd,
Epic Theatre, Post Modern Theatre, Poor Theatre
and Contemporary South African Theatre
• Relationships between texts: historical, social,
political, cultural, theatrical and economic
influences
Theatre (and/or Film) Production
• The basic design elements (visual and aural) of
a play. Principles and elements of drama. The
role of the designer, director, playwright and
audience. The production process.
School Based Assessment
In each of Grades 10 – 12 you will be expected to
complete the following 7 assessment tasks:
• Three Performance Assessment Tasks
• Two tests and
• Two Examinations
Your educators will explain the requirements of
each of these assessment tasks. They will ensure
that you understand what you will be assessed
on, how it will happen and what is expected from
you. The rubrics and criteria will be given to you in
advance of completing the tasks.
Hand in all your assessment tasks. This will give
you a good chance of passing and doing well.
Tips for Success
The tuition time for Dramatic Arts is 4 hours per
week. However, Dramatic Arts is a challenging
subject and in choosing it you have to be
prepared to work hard and independently. You
must do voice and body exercises on a daily
basis. Attend all your classes and do your
homework every day. Attend all additional
rehearsals organised after school.
You are privaledge to attend a school that
offers this special subject. With my best
wishes; ‘break a leg’!