MATSEC IM Theatre and Performance exam-day guide
MATSEC IM Theatre and Performance · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Printed or digital copy of your exam entry/registration confirmation
Bring the confirmation issued through your school or the MATSEC Examinations Board showing your candidate number, subject, and session. If you are unsure whether your centre requires a printed copy, confirm with the provider or your subject teacher before the day.
Valid photo identification
A government-issued ID with a recent photograph and signature. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted at your particular centre, since school ID cards may or may not be sufficient.
Candidate number and index number written down
Keep these on a small card in your bag or written inside your folder; you may be asked to write them on scripts, assessment sheets, or performance logs. Do not rely on memory under pressure.
Two copies of your script, cue sheet, or performance plan
One clean copy for the examiner and one for yourself. If your piece involves a devised or group performance, bring the required written documentation, including running order and any technical cues.
All costume and prop items listed on your piece plan
Pack these the night before and check them against a written list. Label every item with your name. Confirm with the provider in advance whether any props are prohibited, such as real blades, open flame, aerosols, or glass.
Performance footwear and a change of clothes
Wear or bring clothing you can move safely in, plus shoes appropriate for the space. Avoid new shoes or unfamiliar costumes on the day; test everything in a full run beforehand.
Music or sound files on a labelled USB stick plus a backup
Use standard audio formats and test playback on the venue system if permitted. Bring a second copy on another device or a phone with the file downloaded offline. Confirm with the provider how sound cues are to be submitted and operated.
Water bottle and a light snack
Keep hydration and energy steady, especially if your session is long or you perform late in the day. Check your centre's rules on food and drink in the waiting and performance areas.
Warm-up notes, script extracts, or a monologue card
A short personal warm-up routine for voice, breath, and body helps you arrive centred. Keep any prompt material out of the performance space unless the assessment rules explicitly allow it.
A watch or timer that is not your phone
You need to track your own preparation and performance time. Phones are often collected or switched off during assessments, so a simple watch is more reliable.
Arrival plan with travel time and a buffer
Know the venue, the entrance, and the reporting time. Aim to arrive well before your call time to allow for registration, changing, and warm-up. Confirm the exact reporting time and location with the provider.
Knowledge of the assessment criteria and time limits for your piece
Re-read the official specification for your unit so you know what is being marked, such as vocal and physical skills, characterisation, interpretation, and ensemble work, and how long your performance should run. Confirm any details you are unsure of with your teacher or the provider.
Plan the day
Do complete run-throughs of your piece in the order you will perform it, timing each one against the limit. Record at least one run and review it for clarity of intention, audibility, and physical commitment. Finalise your costume and prop list, label everything, and resolve any missing items now rather than on the day. Check the venue location, reporting time, and travel arrangements, and confirm any technical requirements such as sound playback with your teacher or the provider. Reduce intensive new learning; consolidate what you already do well.
Run a light technical and blocking check, then stop heavy rehearsal. Pack your bag against the checklist: ID, confirmation, script copies, costume, props, footwear, water, USB with backup audio. Prepare and lay out clothes. Eat normally, avoid late nights, and do a gentle vocal and physical warm-up. Re-read the assessment criteria and your piece plan so your intentions are fresh. Set two alarms and confirm your transport. If you feel unwell or foresee a problem with props or timing, contact your teacher or the provider as early as possible.
Eat a proper breakfast and hydrate. Do a full vocal and physical warm-up at home, including breath work, articulation, and a gentle stretch. Arrive at the venue with a buffer before your call time, register, and locate the changing area, waiting space, and performance space. Check your props and costume against your list. Keep conversation calm and focused; avoid comparing preparation with other candidates. Switch off or hand in your phone according to centre rules.
Follow the examiner's instructions on entry, set-up, and exit, and state your candidate number and piece title if asked. Take a moment before you begin to settle your breath and focus, then commit fully to the performance rather than monitoring the examiner. Stay in character and in the world of the piece until you have clearly finished. If something goes wrong, such as a missed cue or a dropped prop, recover calmly and continue. After the performance, follow instructions for clearing props and leaving the space quietly so other candidates are not disturbed.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo identification and your entry confirmation, and present them when asked. If you are unsure which documents your centre accepts, confirm with the provider before the day.
Arrive by the reporting time given to you. Late arrival may affect your opportunity to perform; if you are delayed, contact your centre immediately and follow their instructions.
Follow all instructions from examiners and invigilators about entry, set-up, timing, and exit. Do not begin your performance until you are told to.
Use only props, costume, and technical elements that you have declared and that are permitted. Do not bring real weapons, open flame, or anything hazardous; confirm any doubtful item with the provider in advance.
Electronic devices should be switched off and stored as directed. Do not record the assessment or other candidates unless you have explicit permission.
Do not communicate with other candidates about the content of the assessment while it is in progress, and do not observe others' performances unless the centre permits it.
Perform within the stated time limit and follow the examiner's signal if you are asked to stop. Overrunning or significantly underrunning can affect your mark.
Breaks, restroom access, and movement between spaces are at the centre's discretion; ask an invigilator rather than leaving the designated area unaccompanied.
Marks are awarded against the published assessment criteria for the unit, including vocal and physical skills, characterisation, interpretation, and ensemble work where relevant. Read the official specification and confirm any scoring queries with your teacher or the provider.