SACE Stage 2 Drama exam-day guide
SACE Stage 2 Drama · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Confirm the exact performance/assessment time and venue
SACE Stage 2 Drama practical assessment arrangements are set by your school or provider. Reconfirm the date, call time, room, and running order in writing with your teacher. Confirm with the provider.
Printed copy of your script, cue script, or performance plan
Bring a clean, final copy of your script or performance material, plus any cue sheets or technical notes you need. Some providers require a submitted copy in advance; check whether you must also hand one in on the day. Confirm with the provider.
Costume and any personal props
Pack everything labelled with your name. Check with your teacher whether school-supplied costume and props are stored at the venue or whether you must transport them yourself.
Performance footwear and a change of clothes
Wear or bring footwear you have rehearsed in. A spare layer helps with nerves and temperature changes in performance spaces.
Make-up, hair supplies, and a small repair kit
Include hair ties, pins, safety pins, and a basic sewing kit. Keep it compact and labelled.
Water bottle and a light snack
Practical days are long with waiting periods. Choose quiet snacks and a bottle with a secure lid.
Student ID and any required forms
Bring photo identification and any signed consent, media, or risk forms your provider has requested. Confirm with the provider which forms are mandatory.
Warm-up clothing and a towel
You will need space to warm up voice and body before your slot. Bring layers you can remove without disturbing others.
A watch or timer
Phones are usually restricted during assessment. A simple watch helps you track warm-up and preparation time.
Arrive early and check in
Aim to arrive well before your call time so you can sign in, find the space, and settle. Confirm the required arrival time with the provider.
Know your technical cues in writing
If lighting or sound cues are part of your performance, provide a written cue sheet and confirm who operates them. Confirm with the provider whether technical support is available.
Backup plan for props and costume
Identify a substitute for any fragile or essential item and tell your teacher. Confirm with the provider whether substitutions are permitted.
Plan the day
Run full rehearsals in the actual performance space if you can book it, including entrances, exits, and cue calls. Time your piece against the limit and trim anything that runs over. Finalise costume and props and label everything. Confirm your call time, running order, and technical arrangements in writing with your teacher. Sleep on a normal schedule rather than cramming late rehearsals.
Do one controlled run-through, then stop heavy rehearsal; over-rehearsing the night before tends to flatten energy. Check your bag against the checklist, charge any permitted device, and pack water and snacks. Re-read your script and cue sheet once. Confirm transport and plan to arrive early. Eat a normal meal and get a full night's sleep.
Eat a proper breakfast and hydrate moderately. Do a gentle voice and body warm-up at home rather than saving it all for the venue. Arrive early, sign in, and check the space, props, and costume. Keep conversation with other candidates light and avoid comparing performances. Follow any instructions from the supervising teacher about where to wait.
Complete your warm-up in the time allowed, then stay focused and quiet. Before you begin, take a moment to settle, check your starting position, and breathe. Perform to your rehearsed plan, recover smoothly from any slip, and hold your final moment before exiting. Follow the provider's instructions on when you may leave and whether you may observe others. Confirm with the provider.
Rules to check
Follow all directions from the supervising teacher and any assessor; their instructions on entry, exit, and timing take priority.
Bring photo identification if your provider requires it, and confirm in advance what form of ID is acceptable. Confirm with the provider.
Phones and smart devices are commonly restricted in assessment spaces; keep yours switched off and stored unless you are told otherwise. Confirm with the provider.
Stay within the set time limit for your performance; going over or under may affect your result, so check the exact limit and any penalty with your provider. Confirm with the provider.
Do not discuss or share your performance material, script, or ideas with candidates who have not yet been assessed, and do not observe others unless explicitly permitted. Confirm with the provider.
Use only costume, props, and technical elements that you have declared and that your provider has approved; do not introduce undeclared items on the day.
If you need a break, water, or medical assistance, tell the supervising teacher immediately rather than leaving the area unannounced.
Scoring is based on the provider's published performance criteria and evidence shown on the day; ask your teacher to explain the criteria and weighting in advance, and do not rely on informal accounts of how marks are awarded. Confirm with the provider.