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Detailed use of drama and theatre terminology

As well as showing knowledge of the set text, the written exam is about demonstrating to the examiner a solid understanding of drama theory. One of the best ways to show this is by using detailed theatrical terminology appropriately within the written responses.

For example, rather than writing ‘There were lots of shadows on stage’, a much stronger response would be:

A lantern was positioned downstage centre on the stage, focused on the performer in centre stage, casting large, frightening shadows onto the cyclorama that was hung upstage.

The responses that achieve the top marks are often very detailed, which becomes especially important in the higher-mark questions.

Providing examples

Some questions will require an explanation of how vocal and physical skills might be used to create a particular effect, eg to show the relationship between the characters. It is important to refer to the extract, using quotes as examples.

Some questions will relate directly to the extract. In this instance it can be useful to work through the extract methodically:

1. write quotes
2. describe how they would be performed or designed
3. explain the intended impact on the audience

At least one question will ask for examples about how a character might be performed in other sections of the play. A clean copy of the script may be taken into the exam, so it is important to refer to the play and find specific quotes that help to show the point being made. The script must not be highlighted or annotated, so being knowledgeable already about the characters and synopsis of the play will make this easier to do quickly, leaving more time to write responses.

Impact on the audience

Everything on stage should be intentional and convey meaning to the audience. When writing responses, it is important to constantly consider the effect that will be created for the audience through the different elements of the on-stage interpretation.