On Tuesday 12 June, Year 12 Santa Maria College Drama students had the opportunity to attend a drama afternoon at Methodist Ladies’ College, hosted by the Independent Schools’ Drama Association (ISDA). The afternoon enabled students to gain an insight into the creative process of original work and how to prepare for their upcoming WACE Drama exam. Class of 2017 high achieving graduate Drama students, Sophie Maines and Courtney Withers were invited to perform their own exam pieces, including Scripted Monologues and Original Solo Performances and passed on some valuable tips to students who will soon be following in their footsteps.

Below are reflections from two of the students who attended.

The Drama afternoon provided a valuable insight into the influence of practitioners and the world around us on their work. How theatre is beyond just dialogue, but the manipulating of movement to tackle a concept. The afternoon visually reinforced the importance to ‘show a story, not tell it’ in order to create a powerful influence. Simone Shandley-Jones, Performing Arts Captain

By watching past graduates complete their Drama practical exam I gained inspiration, ideas and guidance on how to approach my WACE exam. I gained ideas for my OSP, as well as inspiration on how to begin devising and creating, I identified ways I could improve my own scripted monologue, especially in relation to design and technology, I highlighted ways to improve and extend upon my given improvisation, and learnt how to answer three interview questions succinctly, with correct Drama terminology and utilising specific examples to support my statement.  Alex White, Year 12