Performance Assessment
Depending on whether grades are being allocated to an individual or a group, the way that your contribution is assessed will vary.
When marks are being allocated to a group of students in a performance, what does a HIGH DISTINCTION performance look like?
- Polished presentation.
- Evidence of much rehearsal.
- Excellent incorporation of music/sound/lighting which enhances the dramatic mood and adds colour and expression to a performance.
- Evidence of thorough preparation. This manifests itself through performance features such as fluent lines, refined cues, and integrated use of technology.
- Insightful interpretation of the scene. This is achieved by exploring multiple methods of delivery and selecting the best way to present the work.
- Evidence of in-depth research—as shown by a thorough understanding of themes and character.
- All group members need to be comfortable with their characters. This can only be achieved if you have rehearsed your scenes many times in full costume.
- A group where all members know their lines early in the process will be able to effectively use their rehearsal time.
- The group actively engages in the process from the start of rehearsals (eg gets up on feet and workshops scenes right from the start rather than spending a lot of time talking about it—save the discussion for review of what works and what doesn’t work)
- Set design and costume design enhance the overall thematic message of the scenes. (eg costumes are not just clothes thrown together, they have been imaginatively turned into costume pieces which epitomise character, etc. and the sets offer symbolic weight to the performance).
- All aspects of the production need to support the wider message being created.
- The group will have arranged for an ‘outsider’ to watch the performance and give critical feedback.
- The group will have completed many ‘formal’ rehearsals prior to ‘opening night’. ie after the workshop rehearsals, the group will have at least 1 x full rehearsal, 1 x tech run and 1 x dress rehearsal.
- To have a better chance at success, an outstanding group:
- is critically self-reflective
- supportive of each group member
- attends all rehearsals on time
- spends at least 10 hours a week preparing for the performance
- is committed to the process of creating theatre
- Prepares everything on time.
- The WOW factor
- The scene must do something new.
- It needs to present the material in an innovative way which surprises/challenges/excites the audience.
- Experimentation leads to this.