VCE Units 1 & 2 - Theatre Studies

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Theatre Studies

Overview

The study of Theatre as an ever-evolving cultural expression and critical window to society, prepares students for further study in; theatre production, theatre history, communication, marketing, production management, writing, acting, direction and design at the tertiary level. VCE Theatre Studies also prepares students for further learning in vocational education settings and for professional industry or community-related pathways.

Unit 1 – History of theatre styles and conventions pre-1945

This unit focuses on the application of acting, direction and design in relation to theatre styles and their conventions pre-1945. Students work in production roles with scripts from specific periods that fall between the beginning of Theatre history until the end of 1944, focusing on at least two theatre styles, their conventions and histories.

Areas of Study:

  1. Exploring theatre styles and conventions pre-1945 – identify and describe distinguishing features of two or more theatre styles from pre-1945 and scripts associated with the selected styles
  2. Interpreting scripts – work effectively in at least two production roles to interpret scripts from two or more pre-1945 theatre styles
  3. Analysing a theatre production in performance – analyse a live professional performance

Unit 2 - Contemporary Theatre Styles and Movements

This unit focuses on the application of acting, direction and design in relation to contemporary theatre practice from 1945 to the present day. Students work in production roles to interpret scripts and they study developments and innovations in theatre. Students do this through a focus on either two distinct theatre styles OR a theatre movement between 1945 and the present day. In either option, students will study at least one Australian play.

Areas of Study:

  1. Exploring contemporary theatre styles and/or movements – identify and describe the distinguishing features of distinct theatre styles and/or the characteristics of a theatre movement(s) through scripts written from 1945 to the present day
  2. Interpreting scripts – work in production roles to interpret scripts from theatre styles or movements from 1945 to the present day
  3. Analysing and evaluating a theatre production – analyse and evaluate a play in performance from the period of 1945 to the present day

Forms of Assessment

Written tasks, analysis, practical elements of theatre production.

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Students would be expected to have satisfied the work requirements of Year 9 or 10 Drama and/or Visual Communications, Art, Media OR Visual Communications Technology.

Link to Study Design

VCE Theatre Studies 2025-2029 Study Design