VCE Units 3 & 4 - Theatre Studies

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Theatre Studies

Overview

The study of Theatre, in all its various forms, prepares students for further study in theatre production, theatre history, communication, writing, acting, direction and design at tertiary level. VCE Theatre Studies also prepares students for further learning in vocational educational training settings or for industry or community-related pathways.

Unit 3 - Producing Theatre

Students develop an interpretation of a script through the three stages of the theatre production process: planning, development and presentation.  Students specialise in two production roles, working collaboratively, creatively and imaginatively to realise the production of a script.

Area of Study:

  1. Staging Theatre – Interpret a script across the stages of the production process through creative, imaginative and collaborative work undertaken in two production roles (Performance / Design Assessment Task).
  2. Interpreting a Script – Outline concepts and ideas for a creative interpretation of excerpts from a script and explain how these could be realised in a theatre production (Written Assessment Task).
  3. Analysing and Evaluating Theatre – Analyse and evaluate the creative and imaginative interpretation of a written script in production to an audience (Written Assessment Task).

Unit 4 - Presenting an Interpretation

In this unit, students study a scene and an associated monologue.  They initially develop an interpretation of the prescribed scene.  This work includes exploring theatrical possibilities and using dramaturgy across the three stages of the production process.  Students then develop a creative and imaginative interpretation of the monologue that is embedded in the specified scene. To realise their interpretation, they work in production roles as an actor and director, or as a designer.

Area of Study:

  1. Researching and Presenting Theatrical Possibilities – Describe and justify a creative and imaginative interpretation of a monologue and its prescribed scene (Written Assessment Task).
  2. Interpreting a Monologue – Interpret and present a monologue and orally justify and explain their interpretive decisions (VCAA External Performance or Design Examination).
  3. Analysing and Evaluating a Performance – Analyse and evaluate acting, direction and design in a production (Written Assessment Task).

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