A2 Edexcel Drama and Theatre Studies Brief: Study and explore a script from a directors Units Covered: A2 Unit

A2 Unit 4 Theatre Text in

point of view. Develop an understanding of how Context.
to lead and structure rehearsals. Develop a
concept for a version of the text.
Duration: approx 40 hours of workshops/lessons. Assessment evidence: Practice essay questions, presentation on
directorial vision, design. Leading activities with peers to develop
directing skills.
Session 1 Resources Scenes Covered Tracking/assessment.
Aim: To introduce the unit and the role of the director. Course handbook. Role of director.
Outcome: You will know what is required of you on this part of the course and Paper and pens
understand what a director does and how he/she work within the theatre.
Brainstorm roles in theatre- discuss and link. Ball in basket activity- pick out skills.
What is vision? Why is this important?
Session 2
Aim: to develop an understanding of the role of the director Paper and pens Role of the director
Outcome: you will be able to direct a short piece with a different
intention/vision/concept.
3 Little Pigs- different visions/concepts link to contemporary society- brainstorm.
2 groups- allocate director. Develop short piece. Perform and discuss differences.
How did director work with actors etc? How did concept aid the actors? Why?
Session 3
Aim: to read through the script to develop understanding and clarify
Outcome: knowledge of text, themes, characters etc.
Share knowledge of play – still images of most important moments for them. Discuss. Knowledge of the text
Read through aloud with group. Question and clarify. Texts ready for exploring.

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 Brief: Units Covered:.

Duration: Assessment evidence:

Session 4 Resources Scenes Covered Tracking/Assessment

Aim: As above
Outcome: As above

Session 5
Aim: to introduce and develop understanding of social context of play and playwright. Social context and links
Outcome: You will be able to share research about Buchner. You will know why the Student led research to contemporary society
play was written and be able to make links to its relevance for a contemporary
audience.
Fact off- students trying to outdo each other with facts about the text and its background.
Create short piece entitled ‘the life of Buchner’ – include relevant info about why the play was
written etc.
Are there any similar themes? Anything still relevant today.
Session 6 Understanding of social
Aim: to begin to understand the idea of making a piece relevant to today context and vision.
Outcomes: you will be able to share ideas about a ‘modern’ Woyzeck.
Brainstorm themes and issues in the piece- make links to contemporary society. What about
when the play was first performed? Create a movie trailer for your modern Woyzeck. Must have
clear setting, time, and concept.
Perform and discuss potential ideas- what is the potential in using a contemporary concept?

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Session 7 Resources Scenes Covered Tracking/assessment
Aim: To explore and understand the structure of the play
Outcome: you will understand what episodic means and know how this affects the Texts lighting, sound Scene 8, 10, 11 Understanding of
audience. You will be able to experiment with different ways of structuring or etc. structure and its effect
managing episodic nature to create different effects. on audience.
Identify beginning, middle and end of play. Look at scene 8- could this scene stand alone?
Scene 10 into scene 11- how do you manage the transition? Develop a version of the end of
scene 10 into beginning of scene 11. How do you use the space? Lighting? Sound? Etc.
Essay Q- Describe how you would deal with the transition of Scene 10 to Scene 11-
make reference to your use of lighting and staging. (4 marks)
Session 8 As above
Aims: To explore the impact structure has on the audience. Texts Scenes 21, 22, 23, 24,
Outcomes: You will understand the importance of structure. You will know how a director can 25
manipulate structure to create different effects and meet different concepts.
Re-read scenes 21- 25. small groups/pairs- create a snapshot moment. As whole group-
rearrange order to create different effects. Perform several- discuss effect.
Week 9
Aims: to explore the use of song as a technique to distance the audience
Outcomes: you will understand how and why song is used within the text. Understanding of forms
texts
Go through the text and pick out moments of song – what is the function of the song?
Give songs different purposes- to empathise, the emphasise, to comment, to comfort, to goad
etc. Attempt and perform. Discuss.
Essay Q – Discuss your approach to the use of song in your version of Woyzeck.
Explain how you would use sound and song in Scene 12 and for what intended effect.
(10 marks)

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Session 10 Resources Scenes Covered Tracking/Assessment
Aim: to introduce Buchners use of language and to explore its effect practically.
Outcome: You will understand how Buchner uses language throughout the play. You
will be able to identify the power of the language and use of silence on the audience. text Scene 16 Understanding of use of
Read through scene 16 – what do you notice about the language and sentence length here? language to develop
Play the scene through once- now try and reduce the amount Woyzeck says to the least words tension
possible. Perform – discuss effect. Building of tension.

Session 11
Aim: to learn how to help your actors to interpret character
Outcome: You will be able to discuss ideas about Woyzeck. You will take part in some Developing rehearsal
activities that you could do with your actor. Text and paper and techniques-
Create a timeline/the unbroken line (Stanislavski) for Woyzeck – what has his life been like so pens characterization
far- use the given circumstances within the text. Groups. Photo album of important moments in
life. Bring to life.
Discuss how developing backstory helps your actors to develop and interpret character.
Hmwk- create unbroken line for Marie and write up your character info for Woyzeck on
a page at the front of the text.
Developing rehearsal
Week 12
Text Scene 1 techniques and
Aim: to learn how to explore relationship between Andres and Woyzeck.
characterization.
Outcome: You will take part in activities that you could use in rehearsal with your
actors. You will understand a little more about the potential of the two characters and
their relationship.
Read through scene 1 – what is established about the two- what are the facts? GC? Instincts
about the two men?
In 3’s- one working as director try following things – Andres younger, Andres numb from war,
Andres bored of war, Andres tired of Woyzeck, Andres scared of Woyzeck. Perform- different
back stories emerging…? Why? Sub text activity.
Hmwk-Annotate text with ideas about relationship between two- backstory facts.

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Session 13 Resources Scenes Covered Tracking /
Aim: to explore physicality of Woyzeck at different moments in the play and learn assessment
about how to lead rehearsals based on this. scripts
Outcomes: You will be able to identify ways of performing Woyzeck with a focus on Scene 2 Focus on leading
physicality to develop character. rehearsals for
Scene 2- read- how is Franz acting here? How can you show that Woyzeck is agitated etc? physicality and
Small groups- apply different conditions to actor playing Woyzeck- tension in shoulders, characterization.
repetition of an action/movement, no eye contact. Perform and discuss differences.
Comment on directors roles this lesson- how did they work with the actors? Etc. identify skills.
Hmwk- Essay Q – explain how you would approach a rehearsal on physicality for
scene 2. (4 marks)
Session 14 Scene 15 Focus on inner
Aim: to explore thoughts of character within scene 15 and learn how to equip your thoughts of character
actor with knowledge of the role. to develop
Outcome: You will be able to consider Woyzecks thoughts in scene 15 and think about characterization.
how exploring this equips your actor with knowledge of the role to produce a more in
depth performance.
Threes- recreate the scene but add text for Woyzeck. What would he say? Why would he say it?
Why is Woyzeck silent during the fight?

Session 15 Focus on rehearsal

Aim: to explore Woyzeck and Marie scene 10 and to learn how to action the text with Scene 10 technique to develop
your actors. character.
Outcome: You will understand how ‘actioning’ the text can help to develop character
and meaning within the text.
Read through scene 10 together. What does Woyzeck want? What does Marie want? Choose a
short section of the scene to ‘action’. After each line decide what the character is trying to do to
the other. Each group perform their section- comment on the different interpretations created
through actioning.
Hmwk – Essay Q – Describe 2 activities you would do with your actors before
rehearsing scene 10. (4 marks)

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Session 16 Resources Dates Tracking/assessment.
Aims: To explore character of Marie and learn how to develop an actors response to
the role. Text
Outcomes: you will be able to share ideas about Marie and develop a sense of homeworks Rehearsal technique
backstory. and characterization
Given Circumstances about Marie- develop an unbroken line (share homework from a previous
lesson).
Create a short scene exploring significant moments from Maries past. How does this help the
actor? Director?
Hmwk- annotate script with a focus on Marie and your interpretation for your concept.
Session 17 As above
Aim: to explore relationship between Marie and Drum Major. To learn how to help your Text Scene 7
actors see a scene from different points of view.
Outcome: You will be able to share ideas about scene 7 and use narration and
comment to explore a characters actions.
Read through text. 3’s- quickly get the text on its feet. Where, when, what etc.
Now take it in turns to narrate your characters side of the story- how does this differ or affect the
scene? What about audience response? What about concept?
Remove the text completely- use movement and physical theatre to depict the scene. As above.
Session 18 Text
Aim: to learn the importance of filling in the gaps with your actors.
Outcome: You will understand why you need to understand and experience moments
that may not be seen but implicit within the text.
What moments do we know happen in the play but the audience don’t see? Make a list quickly.
Recreate the moment when Marie and the Drum Major meet up and he gives her the earrings –
what happens?
Perform and discus the importance of understanding all the events in the play to create more in
depth characters.
Hmwk – Describe and explain 2 activities you would do with your actors to develop an
understanding of character through the rehearsal process. (4 marks)

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Session 19 Resources Scenes Covered Tracking/Assessment
Aim: to explore character decisions and learn how to explore them in rehearsals.
Outcome: you will be able to share ideas and improvise. You will be able to mark Text Understanding of
moments where characters make decisions. Scene 21 marking significant
What are the key decisions that characters make within the play. moments to develop
Read through scene 21 - when does Marie know what her fate is? In small groups experiment understanding of
with different moments that Marie may know her fate. Perform these and mark the moment character.
somehow. How does this effect how Marie acts in the scene? How does this effect audience
response? Why?
Hmwk – Plan an answer to the following Q – Describe your approach to rehearsing
Scene 21. Make particular reference to communication of meaning. (10 marks)
Session 20
Aim: to explore the other characters in the piece. To learn about how to approach text Scene 3, Scene 8 Rehearsal techniques
characitures in rehearsals. for characterisation.
Outcome: You will understand the purpose of the other characters in Woyzeck and
learn some techniques to explore them in rehearsal.
Physical warm up- list other characters- which have the higher status? Etc. My Friend Fred.
Walk pastiche- bold decisions. Bread and butter scene- add ridiculous conditions. Apply
activities to sc3 Showman speech or sc 8 Doctor. Discuss and link to interpretation of character.
Annotate the text with reference to other characters- stage directions- activities for
rehearsals-movement and voice . Scene 5 Rehearsals,
Session 21 characterisation and
Aim: to explore how characterisation can enhance status and meaning. status- communicating
Outcomes: You will be able to respond to a number of activities to explore status in meaning.
relation to characterisation.
Read scene 5- discuss significance of the scene. What is it about? What is happening? Why?
Pairs – perform a short section of scene 5 – when your character has higher status slap a post it
note on them. Who has the most at the end of the scene- discuss moments where you felt most
powerful. Share differences.
Focus on movement now- exaggerate the grotesque nature of the Captain using levels of
exaggeration 1-10. What happens to the status? Perform and discuss.

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Session 22 Resources Scenes Covered Tracking/assessment
Aim: To explore how to emphasise and communicate meaning to the audience through theatrical
devices.  Text Scene 9 Exploration of meaning
Outcome: You will be able to explore scene 9 with a focus on communicating meaning and through theatrical
exploring how to emphasise the surreal nature of the play. What is going on in Woyzecks head? devices/rehearsal.
Read scene- focus on pages 47-51 from Woyzeck’s entrance. Replay the scene- how can you mark the
moment when Woyzeck realizes what the Captain is implying? Groups of 5 replay the scene exploring the
images in Woyzecks head.
How does exploring visions in Woyzecks head enhance the performance? What about marking the
moment he realizes? Why is this important to do in rehearsal with your actors? How does this enhance
meaning for the audience?
Hmwk – Essay Q – how would you approach the use of imagery in the play. Give at least 2
detailed examples. (10 marks)
Session 23 Explore meaning and
Aim: Exploring scene 10- Woyzeck confronting Marie. To learn how to lead a rehearsal of this Text and pens and Scene 10 interpretation. Learn
scene. paper. how to lead a
Outcome: you will be able to identify the stages of a rehearsal. successful rehearsal on
Students jot down the key to a successful rehearsal- stages, tasks, qualities, skills etc.
Groups- allocate a director – read through, discuss intention, play scene from Marie ‘ well which wasp…’ to
meaning.
Woyzeck’s exit. Director explore different interpretations of scene- give intentions to the actors- e.g – ‘to
punish’ ‘to shame’ ‘to emplore’ ‘to sympathise’ ‘to protect’ etc. Discuss process- alternative scenes-
potential and links to vision. Is Marie a product of her reputation? Is Woyzeck to blame? Etc.
Session 24 Text, blocks etc as Staging and proxemics
Aims: to explore the use of staging to communicate meaning in rehearsal and to the needed. Scene 12 to communicate
audience. meaning.
Outcomes: You will be able to explore scene 12 in relation to staging. You will
understand how the use of space and proxemics can communicate meaning clearly to
an audience.
Read scene- stage pages 61-63. Where are the dancers and Woyzeck? Where is Marie and
Drum Major? Where are crowds? Explore.
Hmwk – Essay Q – Describe how you would stage scene 12 giving specific examples
from the text. (10 marks)

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Session 25 Resources Scenes Covered Tracking/assessment
Aims: to explore use of movement in scene 4 to communicate meaning and enhance
characterisation. To explore ways of getting your actors moving in rehearsals. Text Scene 4 Rehearsal techniques
Outcomes: You will be able to use different techniques to explore use of space and exploring space and
develop clear moments of meaning within scene 4. movement.
Scene 4- read through. Perform quickly. Show examples- now apply different rules- e.g-
Woyzeck is trying to get eye contact with Marie, Marie is avoiding. Woyzeck is trying to get
Marie to take her hands away- Marie is trying to avoid having contact with him. Woyzeck at one
side of the room- Marie at the other. How does this effect characterisation and meaning?
Session 26 .
Aim: to explore the dilemma of the death scene - 21.
Outcome: you will be able to explore the death scene naturalistically and symbolically. Rehearsal technique.
Read scene 21- discuss. Share ideas to portray the death scene and to have impact on the Text, lighting, Scene 21 Consider how style can
audience. sound etc. influence audience
Naturalistic approach- emotion memory (fear) (rage). Play scene using those emotions. Staging response and actors
for naturalistic performance. interpretation.
Symbolic- images of the death – chop up the order of the scene- identify key moments. Slow
motion, repeat etc. Artaud- grotesque moments. Display the body etc? Perform and discuss.
Hmwk – Essay Q – How would you approach scene 21? Give specific examples of
design and movement. Rehearsals on pace to
Session 27 explore tension and
Aim: exploring communicating meaning through the use of pace. communicating
Outcome: you will be able to explore pace as a way of building and releasing tension Text meaning.
and communicating meaning.
Scene 23 – 3’s. Director, Woyzeck and Marie. Fast questioning- slow questioning. How does Scene 23
this effect meaning and character response to the moment? Why? How do we view Woyzeck
as a result of changing the pace?

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Session 28 Design ideas and
Aim: To explore different ways of communicating the horse in Scene 3. To begin to influence on the
consider design as a way of communicating ideas. rehearsal.
Outcome: You will be able to share ideas about how a director can solve this problem.
You will be able to attempt some of these ideas. Text, paper and Scene 3
Read scene 3- ideas for communicating the horse- share and discuss. pens.
Attempt several – chorus, physical theatre, reaction of rest of cast (no horse). Audience
imagination.
Perform and discuss. Hmwk – Essay Q- How would you approach the horse in scene
3. Give 2 ways of performing this section. (4 marks)

Session 29
Aim: to explore the use of different techniques to tackle the transitions between
scenes. Communicating
Outcome: you will be able to share ideas and attempt some of them in performance. Text, lighting, sound. meaning through scene
Make a list of opening images of scenes – or teacher allocates. How can you use the transitions transitions and design.
between the scenes to maintain rhythm, break rhythm, un-nerve the audience etc?- share ideas.
Lighting, sound, movement, imagery, blackouts, cross cut, fade in and out, movement, physical
theatre etc.
Attempt some transitions between scenes- end moments and opening moments. Which lend
themselves to sound- what happens if you do gradual/sudden changes?
Annotate the text with specific thought to the transitions between scenes. Give a
reason for your decision on each page. Text, pens and paper. Influence of the
Session 30 designer on the
Aim: to learn how to consider and use set design to communicate meaning. rehearsal process.
Outcome: you will be able to share and develop ideas for set design to communicate
meaning and enhance the performance.
Pairs- director and designer- director explains concept- designer comes up with ideas to Resources
enhance concept. Share.
Pick a scene- work together to consider use of set design to enhance
meaning/emotion/atmosphere etc for each other’s concept.
Annotate the text with a focus on design. Costume designs for each character. Set
design.

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Session 31 Text, pens and paper, Influence of the
Aim: To learn how the designer contributes to the overall performance and the chairs, tables, blocks designer on the
rehearsal process. as needed. rehearsal process.
Outcomes: You will be able to use the design ideas introduced last lesson to rehearse
a scene.
Group- decide on and discuss some to work on. Rehearse and develop using set and stage to
influence decisions. Think about how a designers set can influence the rehearsal process. What
about when the actors get into the space? Perform and discuss. How does having a clear set
design that matches the concept help the director? Why?
Annotate the text with a focus on design. Costume designs for each character. Set
design.
Session 32
Aim: to develop an understanding of character through improvisation. Text Development of
Outcome: you will understand how an actor can use the given circumstances in the Pen and paper Scene 17 character and meaning
text to make decisions about thoughts and feelings. You will be able to create a through impro.
monologue for Marie to run alongside scene 17.
Brainstorm emotions for Marie throughout the play. Esp. before scene 17. In pairs create a
monologue for Marie to play alongside scene 17. How does adding the monologue effect
Woyzeck and the scene with the Jew? Perform- how does this enhance scene 7 for the
audience? How does this enhance understanding and communication of character for the
actor/audience? Why?
Session 33 - 40
Aim: use concept to develop an interpretation of scenes 18, 19 and 20. Text and any other Scenes 18, 19, 20 Developing concept and
Outcomes: you will be able to apply your concept to an interpretation of above equipment required approach to
scenes. by students. performance.
Students spend lessons working on an interpretation of the script using a concept chosen by a
student. Each student must annotate their own script during this part of the course as well as
answer a mock essay Q – ‘Outline your approach to performing scenes 18, 19, and 20 with
references to design, staging and characterization.’ 20 marks.

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Extra sessions
Aim: To develop exam technique through group discussion and modeling answers. Pens, paper, OHP, misc Exam prep
Outcome: you will be able to structure answers to questions. You will be able to work together mock questions etc.
to share ideas and critique mock answers. You will be able to form answers to questions more
confidently.

Short sharp tasks- picking apart a question. Planning an answer. Paired structuring of answers.
Sharing vocabulary and interesting sentence stems. Etc. Modeling and critiquing answers.

Aim: to develop understanding of any other scenes required by students.

Outcomes: Students will be able to discuss their individual needs with teacher to plan
further lessons and sessions.

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