Devised Drama - Grade 2 — New Era Academy of Drama and Music (London) Ltd Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts Revision
This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamentals of devising original drama, where they collaborate to create scenes from stimulus material and develo
Topic Synopsis
This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamentals of devising original drama, where they collaborate to create scenes from stimulus material and develop a character through improvisation and exploration. At Grade 2, the focus is on understanding basic devising techniques such as freeze frames, thought tracking, and narration, enabling performers to tell a simple story with clear character choices. This skill builds confidence, creativity, and ensemble awareness, laying the groundwork for more complex group performances.
Key Concepts & Core Principles
- Alignment and Posture: Maintaining correct body alignment (head, shoulders, hips, and feet in a vertical line) during all movements to prevent injury and improve line.
- Turnout: Rotating the legs from the hips (not the knees or feet) to achieve a 90-degree angle or more, essential for classical dance positions.
- Coordination and Timing: Executing movements in sync with music, including changes of direction, weight transfer, and arm placements (port de bras).
- Performance Quality: Using facial expression, focus, and energy to engage the audience and convey the mood or story of the dance.
- Syllabus Routine: Memorising and performing a set dance sequence accurately, with attention to detail in steps, dynamics, and spatial awareness.
Exam Tips & Revision Strategies
- Start every rehearsal with a warm-up that directly links to the stimulus to spark initial creative responses before devising.
- Record your improvisations and watch them back; this helps identify moments where character and story are strongest, and where clarity is lost.
- Practice sharing the focus: ensure each performer has a moment where they are central to the action, and support others when they are not.
- Use a simple story structure (beginning, middle, end) and decide as a group what the audience should feel at each stage to keep the performance cohesive.
Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid
- Learners often forget to maintain character when not speaking, dropping focus or slipping out of role during moments of stillness.
- A frequent error is relying too heavily on dialogue to tell the story, neglecting physical storytelling techniques like body language and facial expression.
- Pupils may rush into performance without fully exploring the stimulus, leading to shallow or disconnected character choices.
- Some candidates dominate the devising process, resulting in an unbalanced piece where not all performers contribute equally, which hinders ensemble marks.
Examiner Marking Points
- Award credit for demonstrating a clear connection between the chosen stimulus and the devised scene, showing evidence of initial ideas generation.
- Credit the ability to create and sustain a simple character throughout the scene with consistent physicality, voice, and attitude appropriate to the role.
- Evidence of using at least one devising technique (e.g., freeze frame, thought tracking, or mime) to develop the narrative and reveal character.
- Recognise effective collaboration and listening within the ensemble, including sharing ideas and integrating others' contributions into the performance.