Unseen Drama

Stage Positioning.

Centre stage is where the audience fix their attention so important dialogue should happen here. A powerful character could be placed above others using a tiered stage. A weak or shy character could be placed alone and isolated from the rest of the characters.

Posture.

Whatever posture you choose for a character tells the examiner what you think about that character. Look for clues in the unseen extract. A proud confident character would stand upright whereas a humble or shy character may slump. Tone of voice also gives an indication of your impression and understanding of the character.

Unseen Drama

Facial Expression.

This can tell us a lot about the characters' true feelings. Smiling, raising eyebrows, winking, pouting etc can all tells us what the character is feeling at that time.

Costume & Make-Up

Mood or Atmosphere.

Set

Again the choices you make in this area indicate your impression of the character. Torn, dishevelled clothes and a dirty face could indicate poverty or a chase. Colours can be very suggestive ~ red indicates passion, green suggests envy, white represents innocence whereas the villain of a play nearly always wears black. Hair and make-up should be carefully described. Use plenty of adjectives when describing costume and make-up.

It is not necessary to describe an elaborate set. A simple description of a few pieces of furniture and a back drop is sufficient. Less is more.

Often this question asks whether the extract is "happy or sad or a mixture of both." You should opt for a mixture of both because it will give you more to write about.

Focus on stage directions here and any clues in the dialogue.

Character.

Staging the Scene.

This is a very common question. You may be asked how you would stage or act the scene, possibly even in a time or place different from the extract.

Always refer to the text to justify the choices you make.

There is usually some form of character question.

Look at what the character says and does and what other characters say about him/her.

Read the introduction to the extract carefully. It could provide useful information.

Lighting.

Lighting choices help to create atmosphere. Spotlights can be used to pick out the important characters. Filters can be used to create warm, glowing light whereas dim light can create an eerie atmosphere.

Continue the Story.

You may be asked to continue the story in your own words.

The Shakespearean option does not require you to write in Early English.

You must try to maintain the atmosphere of the extract and have the characters behave consistent with what you have read.

This is a difficult question and requires practice.

Relationships.

You may be asked about the relationship between the characters in the extract you are given.

Again focus carefully on the actions of the characters towards each other. Stage directions can provide vital clues also.

Always quote from the extract to support any answer.

Sound Effects.

Shakespeare & Modern.

Music is the most obvious sound effect that you can use. The type of music you choose will show the examiner whether you have understood the mood of the extract. It could be romantic, sorrowful, uplifting etc. Keep a close eye of stage directions. If it is written that a door bell rings then you must include that sound effect in your answer.

You decide which option you are going to answer.

Don't worry if you do not understand every word. There is usually a glossary provided.

Decide which one you are going to answer on before the exam because you don't really have time to be reading them both on the day.

Always read your questions before you read the extract.

If you are familiar with the play the unseen extract comes from, you should really do the other option to avoid wandering off the point in your answers.

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