How long does the WJEC Unit 2 performance need to be?

The timing depends on the size of your group. For a monologue, it is usually 2-5 minutes; for a duologue, 5-10 minutes; and for a group of three or more, it is 10-15 minutes. Always check the latest WJEC specification as timings are strictly enforced and going under or over can result in a mark penalty.

What should I include in my WJEC Drama Reflective Report?

Your report must cover three main areas: your research into the play and its context, your contribution to the rehearsal or design process, and an evaluation of your final performance. Use specific examples of how you developed your character or design and how you overcame any challenges during the process.

Can I choose any play for my Unit 2 performance?

You must choose a published play that has been professionally produced. It cannot be a play you have written yourself, and it must be different from the play you are studying for your Unit 3 written exam. Your teacher will usually help you select a text that suits your skills and meets the WJEC criteria.

How is the design option assessed in Unit 2?

Designers are assessed on their 'realization' of the design. This means you don't just talk about it; you must demonstrate it. For example, a lighting designer would operate the lights during a live performance, while a costume designer would have their costumes worn by the actors and provide a portfolio of sketches and fabric swatches.

Do I have to perform in front of a live audience for Unit 2?

While the primary audience is the visiting examiner, WJEC encourages a live audience to help create a theatrical atmosphere. Performing in front of others often improves the energy and timing of a piece, which can lead to a better mark, but the examiner is the only person officially marking your work.

What happens if I forget my lines during the examiner's visit?

Examiners look for 'performance presence.' If you stay in character and recover quickly, it may have a minimal impact on your mark. However, consistent prompting or breaking character will reduce your marks for 'control and focus.' Preparation and repetition are the best ways to avoid this.

Unit 2: Performing Theatre

WJEC

GCSE

Preparing for performance in Unit 2 involves interpreting two 10-minute extracts from a single, professionally commissioned/produced performance text. Learners must demonstrate an understanding of the playwright's intentions, create a coherent interpretation by editing the text, and prepare their performance or design to show consistency and/or development of character/theme across the two extracts.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Subtopics in this area

Preparing for performance

Topic Overview

Unit 2: Performing Theatre is a critical component of the WJEC GCSE Drama specification, representing 20% of your total qualification. Unlike Unit 1, which focuses on devised work, Unit 2 requires you to work with a published play text. You will be assessed on your ability to interpret a script and apply theatrical skills—either as an actor or a designer—to realize a specific 'artistic intention' for a visiting examiner.

This unit is significant because it bridges the gap between academic script analysis and practical stagecraft. You are expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of the playwright's intentions, the social and historical context of the play, and how your specific performance or design choices contribute to the overall impact on an audience. It is not just about 'acting out' a scene; it is about making informed, professional-level creative decisions.

The assessment consists of two parts: the practical performance or design presentation and a written Reflective Report. The report is vital as it documents your research, your development process, and your evaluation of the final outcome. Success in this unit requires a balance of disciplined rehearsal, meticulous research into the text, and the ability to articulate your creative process in writing.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Artistic Intention: The specific mood, message, or atmosphere you want to communicate to the audience through your performance or design.
→Vocal and Physical Characterisation: For actors, this involves the precise use of pitch, pause, gait, and gesture to communicate a character's subtext and motivations.
→Design Fundamentals: For designers, this involves using elements like colour, texture, intensity (lighting), or levels (set) to support the narrative and themes of the play.
→Textual Interpretation: The process of analyzing a script to identify key themes, character arcs, and stage directions that inform your creative choices.
→Collaboration and Ensemble: The ability to work effectively with other performers or designers to ensure a cohesive and polished final production.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

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)

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

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)

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡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
💡Ensure your 'Artistic Intention' is clearly stated in your report and visible in your performance; the examiner needs to see that your choices were deliberate, not accidental.
💡Focus on the transitions between moments. A high-level performance doesn't just hit the 'big' emotional beats; it shows the subtle shifts in character thought processes.
💡If you are a designer, bring sketches, mood boards, or cue sheets to your presentation. Visual evidence of your process significantly boosts your marks for AO2.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

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
Thinking the Reflective Report is optional: Many students focus entirely on the performance, but the written report is a mandatory element that proves your understanding of the process to the examiner.
Equating 'loud' with 'good' acting: Students often think shouting equals emotion. In reality, WJEC examiners look for nuance, control, and the effective use of silence and subtext.
Choosing design because it seems 'easier': Design roles (lighting, sound, set, costume) require technical precision and a rigorous design log that is just as demanding as learning a script.

Revision Plan

How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks

1Week 1: Script Selection and Research. Read the entire play (not just your scene), research the playwright, and define your initial artistic intentions.
2Week 2: Character/Design Development. Annotate your script with 'units' and 'objectives' for acting, or create mood boards and technical sketches for design.
3Week 3: Intensive Rehearsal/Drafting. Block your movements or test your technical equipment. Start drafting the first section of your Reflective Report.
4Week 4: Technical Polish and Final Review. Record a mock performance for self-evaluation, refine your transitions, and finalise your Reflective Report for submission.

Exam Question Types

How this topic typically appears in the exam

📋Performance (Acting): You will perform an extract from a published play for a visiting examiner. Marks are awarded for your vocal/physical skills and your realization of artistic intent.
📋Design Presentation: You will present your design (e.g., a model box for set or a costume plot) and explain how it supports the play's themes and the actors' needs.
📋Reflective Report: A written document (approx. 700-900 words) where you must explain your research, your contribution to the piece, and evaluate your final performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•A basic understanding of stage positions (CS, USL, DSR) and theatrical terminology.
•Experience in script analysis from Key Stage 3 or Unit 1 of the GCSE course.
•Knowledge of different theatrical styles, such as Naturalism or Epic Theatre.

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Interpret

Realise

Apply

Demonstrate

Analyse

Evaluate

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Unit 2: Performing Theatre

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Revision Plan

Exam Question Types

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC GCSE Drama

Unit 1: Devised Theatre

Unit 1: Devised Theatre

Unit 1: Devised Theatre

Unit 3: Interpreting Theatre

How to Revise Unit 2: Performing Theatre — WJEC GCSE Drama

Examiner Tips for Unit 2: Performing Theatre

Common Mistakes in Unit 2: Performing Theatre

Key Marking Points

Unit 2: Performing Theatre

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Revision Plan

Exam Question Types

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the WJEC Unit 2 performance need to be?

What should I include in my WJEC Drama Reflective Report?

Can I choose any play for my Unit 2 performance?

How is the design option assessed in Unit 2?

Do I have to perform in front of a live audience for Unit 2?

What happens if I forget my lines during the examiner's visit?

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC GCSE Drama

Unit 1: Devised Theatre

Unit 1: Devised Theatre

Unit 1: Devised Theatre

Unit 3: Interpreting Theatre