From vcaa website
AREA OF STUDY 3
Analysing non-naturalistic performance
This area of study focuses on an analysis of a performance that uses non-naturalistic performance styles selected from the prescribed VCE Unit 3 Drama Playlist .
Students analyse ways characters are represented in the performance through use of expressive skills. They also consider ways dramatic elements, theatrical conventions and stagecraft are manipulated in the performance.
Outcome 3
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse and evaluate a nonnaturalistic performance selected from the prescribed playlist.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on knowledge and related skills outlined in area of study 3.
This knowledge includes
• ways in which performance styles that are not dependent on life-like representations of everyday life and theatrical conventions are used in performance;
• ways in which characters are represented in non-naturalistic performance through the actors’ use of expressive skills including voice, movement, facial expression and gesture;
• ways in which dramatic elements, theatrical conventions and stagecraft are manipulated to enhance non-naturalistic performance;
• the language of drama associated with performance styles, traditions, and practitioners from contemporary and/or cultural traditions relevant to non-naturalistic performance.
Key skills
These skills include the ability to
• analyse the representation of characters within a non-naturalistic performance;
• analyse and evaluate the manipulation of dramatic elements, theatrical conventions and stagecraft within a non-naturalistic performance;
• analyse non-naturalistic performance styles within a production;
• use appropriate language of drama to analyse and evaluate a non-naturalistic performance.
Dramatic elements Includes elements such as climax, conflict, contrast, focus, language (verbal and vocal), mood, rhythm, sound, space, symbol, tension and timing.
Expressive skills
Practical performance skills, such as facial expression(expressive techniques based on facial muscular control), voice (vocal techniques, including song and the creation of vocal sounds), movement (physical techniques, including physical comedy such as slapstick, mime and dance) and gesture (physical expressive techniques such as use of the

hands, non-verbal communication and body language).
Play-making techniques The processes of creating, developing and constructing solo or ensemble works, such as practical workshops and improvising. Distinct from performance techniques.
The skills which contribute towards the creation of a performance. Includes costume, direction, lighting, makeup, mask, props, puppets, set design, sound production and/or theatre technologies such as multimedia projection, as appropriate.