How to Revise Unit 2: Performing Theatre — WJEC GCSE Drama
Unit 2: Performing Theatre is a topic in the WJEC GCSE Drama specification. This guide covers learning objectives, examiner tips, common mistakes, and key terminology to help you revise effectively.
Examiner Tips for Unit 2: Performing Theatre
- Ensure the chosen text for Unit 2 contrasts with the Unit 3 set text in playwright, historical time period, and theme
- Submit the Artistic Intentions form to the examiner at least a week prior to the examination
- Ensure the performance is recorded from the audience perspective and submitted within two weeks of the assessment
- Designers must ensure their design complements the text and shows consistency or progression across the two extracts
- Performers must interact with other performers or the audience for a minimum of five minutes
Common Mistakes in Unit 2: Performing Theatre
- Selecting texts that do not contrast sufficiently with the Unit 3 set text (in style, context, playwright, time period, or theme)
- Playing a character of a different gender in a naturalistic style, which may disadvantage the learner
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of both extracts in the final performance
- Exceeding the maximum performance time (marks will not be awarded for work after the limit)
- Inadequate preparation of design elements to show consistency or progression across the two extracts
Key Marking Points
- Application of performing or design skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance
- Interpretation of the chosen text
- Contribution as an individual to the live performance
- Consistency and/or development of character/theme across the two extracts
- Coherent interpretation of the text through editing (without adding dialogue or characters)