SACE Stage 2 Drama study plan

Map the four assessment domains against your own current strengths and gaps, writing a one-page diagnostic that names two concrete weaknesses in creating and two in theory

Annotate three contrasting dramatic styles (for example naturalism, expressionism and a non-Western form) by listing the conventions each uses for time, space, character and audience address

Draft a concept statement for an original 8-12 minute dramatic work, specifying intended audience, performance space and the central dramatic question

Define the role of research in devising by collecting three primary sources (interview notes, archival text, image) that could feed the concept

Structure the devised work using a chosen dramatic form, sketching a beat-by-beat outline that identifies climax, reversal and resolution

Experiment with three conventions (for example direct address, tableau, chorus, split stage) and record which serve the story and why

Write a first full draft script or detailed scenario of at least 1,200 words with stage directions

Test the draft aloud in a timed read-through and log where attention drops

Revise the draft after feedback, cutting or consolidating at least two scenes to tighten pace

Justify each major structural choice by referencing one convention or theory concept in a written rationale

Design a minimal staging plan (entrances, levels, focal points, sound cues) that fits the intended space

Identify the cultural or historical context of the chosen style and note two ways the work respects or deliberately departs from it

Rehearse the work in full at least three times, timing each run and recording the duration

Apply a vocal and physical warm-up routine before every rehearsal and note its effect on clarity and stamina

Develop character through specific physical choices (gesture, gait, weight, rhythm) and record these in a character log

Give and receive structured peer feedback using a three-point protocol (strength, question, suggestion)

Refine audience engagement by identifying three moments that demand a specific audience response and adjusting performance choices to achieve them

Record a full rehearsal on video and analyse it against a self-made checklist of vocal, physical and spatial criteria

Reduce reliance on script or notes to reach at least ninety percent memorised delivery

Practise recovery techniques for a missed cue and document what worked

Perform the work in front of a live audience or a stand-in audience and capture the response

Write a structured performance review of a professional or recorded production, analysing how directorial, design and performance choices create meaning

Compare your own performance choices with those observed in the reviewed production, naming two differences and their effects

Collect audience feedback through a short written or verbal questionnaire and summarise the themes

Analyse your own work using dramatic theory, applying at least three named concepts accurately to specific moments

Evaluate the creative process from concept to performance, identifying two decisions that worked and two that did not, with reasons

Examine how context (venue, audience, cultural setting) shaped the final work, giving concrete examples

Draft a response to an unseen stimulus, outlining in ten minutes how you would devise a short work from it

Consolidate all four domains into a revision portfolio that pairs each artefact (concept, script, log, review, essay) with the domain it evidences

Practise timed analytical writing under exam conditions, completing two 25-minute responses to unseen questions

Self-mark the timed responses against a criteria checklist and rewrite the weakest paragraph

Produce a final one-page summary linking each theory concept studied to a practical example from your own work