A subject that embodies sharing the human experience, Drama is not your typical textbook practice, and for good reason. 

The first piece of advice any student is given when deciding on what subjects they’ll take for year 12 is to “choose the subjects you enjoy”. For many creatives, Drama seems like a perfect fit, but what many students don’t recognize is that being able to stand in front of an audience and perform is a skill Drama works towards, not a pre-requisite. 

By definition, drama is ‘a mode of fictional representation through dialogue and performance’. In the context of Year 12, there are three components of the course that embody this definition; making, performing and critical study.

Throughout a drama students year, they will work towards an individual project in the field of their choice; either critical analysis, design, performance, scriptwriting or video drama, playing to their strengths and honing in on excelling at their chosen skill. Groups are formed to complete a major performance from a provided list of topics, working collaboratively towards creating and sustaining deliverable characters as an ensemble. Hitting the books in Drama differs from other STEM subjects, where students are studying Australian and other culturally significant works in drama and theatre through a lens of critical analysis. 

At the core of studying drama, students are learning an invaluable skill of using their imagination. Where the structure of this subject ticks the boxes that comply with education standards, the practice of studying drama lies the benefits and skills for life during and after school. 

Creative Outlet 

Students are challenged to express themselves and their views on the world around them in an imaginative, comfortable and safe environment. The gift of studying drama is in the number of mediums available to create content, opening their minds through their bodies, words, direction, costume, sound…the list goes on.

Teamwork 

Drama encourages collaboration and cooperation between group members, in order to be fair to all students’ ideas and opinions when it comes to their performance. This lesson translates to many real-world situations where everyone’s opinion matters and through teamwork and problem solving, the best outcome will prevail.

Confidence 

Believing in yourself and your abilities doesn’t happen overnight. During a student’s time studying Drama, they have the opportunity to take risks, present themselves, tackle unfamiliar situations and think outside the box. Over the course of the subject, students will learn to trust in their abilities and talent and be brave in every situation.

Concentration 

The opportunity to play, practice and perform will enhance a student’s ability to focus on the mind, body and voice. Encouraged to listen to their peers, focus and concentration builds and an overall understanding of concepts and ideas increases. 

Empathy 

Studying and acting roles from varying time periods, cultures, political situations that are laced with subtext, Drama promotes compassion and a tolerance for other people’s feelings and views. When diving deep into the characters and storylines, students have the chance to relate better to situations, people’s backgrounds or their culture.

At a time when so much of our world is narrowing, Drama encourages students to look outside themselves and see the bigger picture.

Want to take your passion for Acting further? Explore JMC Academys Acting Degrees and Diplomas today.