DSE Drama tutor

Subject Positioning and Objectives

DSE Drama is an elective subject under the Arts Education curriculum of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). It aims to cultivate students’ performance techniques, theatre production skills, and critical thinking in the arts through both theory and practice. The curriculum covers dramatic creation, script analysis, stagecraft, and aesthetic appreciation, helping students develop creative expression and collaborative abilities. It provides a solid foundation for further studies in performing arts, cultural management, or related fields.

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Curriculum Content and Assessment Scope

The curriculum is divided into three major domains: performance, production, and theory, emphasizing the “learning by doing” approach.

1. Core Units (Compulsory)

(1) Performance Techniques and Creation

• Character development: Emotional memory (Method Acting), physical expression (Physical Theatre)
• Improvisation: Situational responses, collective creation (Devising Theatre)
• Script interpretation: Classic texts (e.g., Shakespeare) and contemporary works (e.g., Hong Kong local plays)

(2) Theatre Production and Technical Skills

• Stage design: Integration of set, lighting, and sound
• Costume and makeup: Period research (e.g., historical dramas), stylized design
• Directing and stage management: Scene blocking, scheduling and planning

(3) Drama Theory and Criticism

• History of drama: Western drama (Ancient Greek tragedy) vs. Eastern drama (Chinese opera, Japanese Noh)
• Theatre aesthetics: Realism, symbolism, postmodern theatre
• Critical writing: Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of performances (e.g., acting, directing methods)

2. Elective Units (Choose One from Three)

• Drama education: Designing workshops, community theatre practice
• Multimedia theatre: Experimental performances incorporating projection and VR technology
• Cultural research project: Explore Hong Kong drama development or specific playwrights (e.g., Raymond To)

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Assessment Criteria and Exam Structure

Public Exam (50%)

Paper	Content	Weight	Duration
Paper 1	Written Exam (Theory and Criticism)	30%	2 hours
Paper 2	Practical Exam (Individual Performance or Group Production)	20%	Live Assessment (approx. 30 minutes)

School-Based Assessment (SBA, 50%)

• Creative Portfolio:
  • 1 individual performance video (e.g., monologue)
  • 1 group production documentation (e.g., stage design process and reflection)
• Thematic Study:
  • Research on a drama topic (e.g., “Social Critique in Hong Kong Absurd Theatre”) presented as a written report or short video

Grading Scale

• Graded from Level 5 (highest) to Level 1 (lowest). Achieving Level 3 may fulfill entry requirements for some university arts programs.

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Course Features and Challenges

1. Practice-Oriented

• Requires participation in at least one public performance (e.g., school drama festival)
• Technical modules require hands-on skills (e.g., operating lighting control systems)

2. Interdisciplinary Integration

• Combines literature (script analysis), history (evolution of drama), and technology (multimedia applications)
• Teamwork is essential (e.g., coordination between actors and technical crew)

3. Critical Thinking Development

• Students must evaluate works from the perspectives of audience, actor, and director
• Exam questions often ask for comparison of different versions of classic plays (e.g., stage and film versions of Hamlet)

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Exam Preparation Tips

1. Attend Performances: Watch productions by local theatre groups (e.g., Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, Zuni Icosahedron)
2. Technical Practice: Familiarize with QLab (sound software) and basic lighting programming
3. Script Study: Annotate character motivations and subtext
4. Physical Training: Enhance physical expressiveness (e.g., dance, yoga)

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Pathways for Further Study and Career

• Local further study: School of Drama at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, CUHK Cultural Studies
• Overseas study: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), NYU Tisch School of the Arts
• Career options: Actor, theatre director, arts administrator, drama therapist

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Final Notes

This subject is suitable for imaginative students who are willing to step out of their comfort zones. Even those without performance experience can excel through technical or theoretical modules. The curriculum values the learning process over outcomes, aiming to foster lifelong artistic literacy.

Note: The above information is for reference only. For official details, please visit the Education Bureau of Hong Kong:
www.edb.gov.hk/en/index.html
Initial draft compiled and edited by AI. Edited by Prof. Chan Kwok Wai, Chief Editor: Ko Yi Leung.