1. Higher Drama Study of a Text in its Theatrical Context:

2. Write in planners: “Understanding the Dramatic Commentary ” Today’s tasks: Learn what a dramatic commentary is and what it involves. Understand your role and responsibilities as a director.

3. Dramatic Commentary Designed to assess your skill as a director and your knowledge of the theatre. Tests your knowledge, understanding and interpretation of the text.

4. Dramatic Commentary Is part of the set-text assessment This includes:a ground plan a dramatic commentary an essay a performance The performance takes place on a separate day.

5. Set - Text There should be a clear through line with the essay and dramatic commentary. ESSAY GROUND PLAN DRAMATIC COMMENTARY They should all have the same DIRECTORIAL CONCEPTS.

6. Dramatic Commentary It will be... an extract from The Crucible approximately 3 pages in length laid out as follows...

7. Dramatic Commentary Proctor: The child? Elizabeth: It grows Proctor: There is no word of the boys? Elizabeth: They’re well. Rebecca Samuel keeps them. Proctor: You have not seen them? Moves & Interpretive notes JustificationTechnical Effects

8. Dramatic Commentary You have to... write in MOVES and INTERPRETIVE NOTES for actors give JUSTIFICATION for these moves outline any TECHNICAL EFFECTS you wish to use write an average of 12-15 moves per page of text (approx. 25 in total) THERE IS A PENALTY FOR UNFINISHED COMMENTARIES

9. Dramatic Commentary: Moves & Interpretive Notes This is where you... direct your actors. tell them what to say and how to say it. tell them when, where and how to move. explain fully and clearly what you want them to do. It should be very clear.

10. Dramatic Commentary: Moves & Interpretive Notes This column should... be clearly numbered and should match the text. reference voice ( if not, it will be marked out of 4 ) e.g. “ in a low-pitched growl ” include stage terminology ( if not, it will be marked out of 4 ) e.g. “ crosses to DSL ” If the scene is static use facial expressions, body language and gesture. Interpretive notes – use adverbs, adjectives to describe

11. Dramatic Commentary: Justification In this section you should... explain WHY a character is reacting in a certain way give detail should demonstrate your knowledge of the text. NOT repeat yourself. If you don’t know your stuff...you WILL be found out here! You can’t wing it....and no, that’s not a challenge

12. Dramatic Commentary: Technical Effects marked out of 2 refers to lighting, sound, special effects. In this section you should... describe and justify the opening lighting state “ the stage is lit with a dim blue wash to show that it is late at night ” You MUST give an indication of intensity e.g. lights at 70% give at least one more justified effect to gain the marks

13. Dramatic Commentary To pass this element you must... know the text EXTREMELY well have a clear interpretation of the text understand the writer’s intention ( social, historical ) decide your purpose and what you want to achieve in YOUR presentation of The Crucible -What is your focus? -What are you trying to say? - What themes/issues are you highlighting? - What impact do you wish to create? - How will you do this?

14. Dramatic Commentary - HOMEWORK Using the handout to help complete a Dramatic Commentary for your acting extract. Divide the extract between members of your group. You should have appx 2 pages each.

15. Week 5 Write in planners: “Understanding the Dramatic Commentary ” Today’s tasks: Learn what a dramatic commentary is and what it involves. Understand your role and responsibilities as a director.