Course coordinator
Dr Abbie Trott
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
DRAM1100 introduces students to the study of drama and performance, exploring both written and live texts. It examines theatre's special capacity to attract live audiences on the basis of its special effects and story-telling modes. We ask what attracted people to attend theatre across time, and what remains distinctive about the theatre experience today. Students learn about contemporary and historical performance from the perspective of examining, experiencing and creating theatre. Students will learn acting and performance techniques in class, since tutorials include practical work, but we do not specifically assess talent or skills.
This course asks what has attracted people to attend theatre across time, and what remains distinctive about the theatre experience today. Across the course, we examine several key phases in the development of the Western theatrical tradition, including medieval festival pageantry, commedia dell'arte and improvised performance, the Elizabethan Golden Age, theatre of spectacle and illusion, the rise of modernity, and the contemporary and current theatre experience. In each period, our focus is on the breakthroughs in technology and special effects that made theatre such a compelling live experience. When our attention turns to the contemporary era, we look at the latest innovations in form and interrogate how technology has ensured the endurance of the theatre experience. Throughout this course, we examine the ways in which the theatre of today is haunted by the past, and ask whether in the digital age we are seeing something new or a ghost of what we have seen before.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is not necessary to have a drama or performance background to enrol in this course and to do well. We introduce material to students in a way that should be helpful for students who have not studied drama before, and for those who have completed Year 12 Drama.
Course contact
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to introduce students to the theatre experience, through analysing what has attracted audiences to the theatre at key phases in history and to the present day. We aim to introduce students to three conceptual lenses through which to understand the development and enduranceﾠof the Western theatrical tradition:ﾠ
- A canonical survey from medieval performance to the twenty first century;ﾠ
- Theatre as a site of technological innovation; andﾠ
- Theatre asﾠa haunted medium, constantly ghosted by its antecedent histories, architectures, and forms.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Read plays theatrically and understand the processes required to transform a written text or idea into performance.
LO2.
Analyse theatrical texts and performances and be aware of the development of theatre and modes of performance across time to the present day.
LO3.
Explain the societal impact of theatre in the contexts studied.
LO4.
Explore group collaborative performance as fundamental applied industry skills.
LO5.
Develop an understanding of cultural competency and how this applies to the performing arts industry.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Participation
|
30% 500 |
5/03/2026 - 14/05/2026
This is an in-person assessment completed during normal contact hours. A 50-word writing exercise will be conducted in class. |
| Essay/ Critique | Research Essay | 30% 1500 words |
17/04/2026 2:00 pm
Students will submit this assessment via Turnitin on Blackboard. |
| Performance |
Group Performance
|
40% 10 minutes |
21/05/2026 - 30/05/2026
Performance due in class in Week 12. One rationale per group is submitted to Blackboard in Week 11. |
Assessment details
Participation
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 30% 500
- Due date
5/03/2026 - 14/05/2026
This is an in-person assessment completed during normal contact hours. A 50-word writing exercise will be conducted in class.
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
This task assesses your participation across the Semester across two main areas; meaningful participation and meaningful engagement.
For the purposes of assessment, the three components of meaningful participation are assessed in the tutorials: volunteering for activities, respectful peer collaboration and engaging with the ideas of others. You are graded on participation in tutorials; attendance itself isn't enough because it is assumed that you will be present. Participation means willing involvement, active engagement with the text, the tasks at hand and each other, asking questions, working well in groups, etc. Acting ability is not assessed. Central to group work is accountability and the relationships that you develop with your peers. Peer accountability will be considered when determining the group work aspect of your participation grade. Meaningful participation is worth 2/3 of your grade.
The two components of meaningful engagement assessed are reading of the text/s and absorption of lecture content. You are assessed on how you demonstrate your absorption of the lecture content, which means that, to prepare, you must attend the lecture and complete the preparatory readings. You should bring a copy of the relevant text and any additional material, such as handouts, to every tutorial, and you must have read them at least once. It is a requirement that students read the set text before they attend tutorials. You will be asked to write 50 words in response to a prompt in class to demonstrate this knowledge. Meaningful engagement is worth 1/3 of your grade.
If you are absent from your tutorial through documented illness or other documented circumstances beyond your control, and supply this documentation to your tutor, you will receive a pass mark (in the range of a four) for that week. Students will receive a mark out of 3 for each week, and will be given written feedback on their participation in Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 about the preceding two weeks of participation.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. Students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal for this assessment item. Please contact your tutor/course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this piece of assessment.
Research Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30% 1500 words
- Due date
17/04/2026 2:00 pm
Students will submit this assessment via Turnitin on Blackboard.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This essay asks you to consider how theatre technologies and ghosting are present in written and performance texts. You will be asked to compare the written text of either Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe or Carol Ann Duffy's contemporary adaptation of "Everyman" with a recorded performance of the same text, made available to you online. You will be asked to make specific reference to scenes in this play, undertaking critical research to provide evidence for the parallels that you are exploring. A detailed assignment brief will be made available in Blackboard during the semester.
The referencing style used for Drama assignments is MLA, 9th edition.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Group Performance
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Performance
- Weight
- 40% 10 minutes
- Due date
21/05/2026 - 30/05/2026
Performance due in class in Week 12. One rationale per group is submitted to Blackboard in Week 11.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05
Task description
Group Performance Project (40%)
This assignment is a group performance of a student-generated script pastiched from specified plays from the curriculum. You will be required to include material from: The Cherry Orchard, Children's Hour, Angels in America, Mr. Burns or Eat Slay Zombie. You can use further material from The Commedia excerpts or The Bells as required.
You will be invited to use both analogue and digital technologies to reimagine ways in which these plays can be staged for a twenty-first-century audience. Your performances will be graded on, amongst other things, your engagement with technology and performance techniques as introduced in the tutorials. Your acting skill will not be directly assessed.
Group members will each receive the same grade out of 35 for the performance. The remaining five marks will be determined through a peer-accountability survey, where you will be required to provide feedback on the work of your peers against criteria in BuddyCheck. If you do not participate in the BuddyCheck survey, you will not receive the peer-accountability marks.
There is a 10-minute maximum performance time for this assignment. This short piece will be performed for other DRAM1100 students in Week 12, and you may be asked to perform outside your normal tutorial time. Each group is required to submit a 100-word rationale outlining the aims of their performance, and you will be provided with some technical support in the performance of your projects, with access to sound, lighting and video performance technology. You will also have access to rehearsal time in tutorials after the mid-semester break.
A full assignment brief will be made available on Blackboard during the semester.
- All presentations will be recorded for marking purposes via recording facilities available where the assessment takes place (eg. ECHO360, Zoom, camera device)
- Recordings will be retained by the School of Communication and Arts for at least 12 months from the release of the final grade for the course.
- Recordings will be stored in a secure manner and will only be accessed by authorised school staff for the purposes of:
- Moderation of marking;
- Provision of feedback to the student(s) recorded; and/or
- Re-marking following a successful re-mark application.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
In-person
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Please note: this is a class assessment item and students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal. Please contact your course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available. If alternate arrangements are made due to extenuating circumstances, these will be provided with limited technical support.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this piece of assessment.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply. ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Supplementary assessment is only available for the Research Essay.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (23 Feb - 01 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1: Ghosts in the Theatre Lecture This lecture welcomes students to Drama at UQ, while introducing ghosting as one of the two conceptual lens they will trace throughout DRAM1100. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Technology in the Theatre Lecture This lecture introduces technology as one of the two conceptual frameworks that students trace throughout DRAM1100. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 2: The Drama Workshop Tutorial The tutorial program for DRAM1100 will be introduced, with a focus on the workshop as a learning environment as we introduce you to how we see technology in theatre. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Week 3 (09 Mar - 15 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3: Medieval Theatre Lecture Examines medieval pageant plays from the British and European tradition. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 3: Medieval Theatre Tutorial Students will examine "Everyman" in a practical workshop context. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4: Commedia dell'arte Lecture Introduction to the improvised performance traditions of the Italian renaissance. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 4: Commedia dell'arte Tutorial Students will experiment with scenario, lazzi, and masks in a workshop context. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5: Moving Indoors Lecture Introduces the Elizabethan Golden Age and the movement to built playhouses. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 5: Moving Indoors Tutorial Students will be introduced to elements of Early Modern performance practice through "Doctor Faustus" part scripts. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6: Spectacle & Melodrama Lecture Introduces students to major advances in special effects across the C19th. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 6: Spectacle & Melodrama Tutorial Introduces students to acting styles and special effects in C19th melodrama using "The Bells" Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Mid-sem break (06 Apr - 12 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break - No Classes No Lecture |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break - No Classes No tutorial |
|
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7: Theatres of Illusion Lecture Introduces the design and performance implications of naturalistic staging demands. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 7: Theatres of Illusion Tutorial Students will workshop scenes from Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard," considering how design technologies created new representational possibilities for realist and naturalist theatre. Groups for the Group Performance Assessment will be assigned. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 (20 Apr - 26 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8: Emotion as Technology Lecture In this lecture, we consider how new film techniques resulted in the detailed depiction of emotion on stage. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 8: Emotion as Technology Tutorial Students will experiment with the emotional demands of naturalistic acting techniques and consider whether they represent a break or a continuation of historical performance practices in "The Children's Hour." Time will be allocated for the Group Performance Project in tutorials. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Week 9 (27 Apr - 03 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9: The Contemporary Theatre Experience Lecture Introduces students to the culmination of C20th theatre experiments with form and content. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 9: The Contemporary Theatre Experience Tutorial In this workshop, students will consider the challenges of staging spectacle themselves, utilising the text of Kushner's "Angels in America". Group performance project rehearsals will continue. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10: The Analogue Ghost Lecture Provides insight into approaches that 21st-century playwrights are taking to staging ghosts, offering alternative ideas and techniques for students' group performances. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 10: The Analogue Ghost Tutorial Students will workshop performance techniques that seek to disrupt and subvert naturalistic expectation and illusion using "Mr Burns: A Post-Electric Play" as source material. Group Performance Project rehearsals will continue. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 13 |
Excursion |
Performance excursion In weeks 11, 12 and 13, students have the option to attend a performance of Eat Slay Zombie, the text that we are studying in week 11. This is not compulsory, and students are responsible for booking their own tickets. https://laboite.com.au/shows/eat-slay-zombie. La Boite will hold an Artist Talk on Friday 22 May that students might like to attend. |
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11: Performance in the Twenty-First Century In this week, we examine the relationship between theatre and digital culture, with reference to twenty-first century texts. We will discuss these innovations with reference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems. What can these practices tell us about performance in the twenty-first century? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 11: Performance in the Twenty-First Century Students will workshop performance techniques, including the use of live video and social media that seek to disrupt and subvert naturalistic expectation and illusion using "Eat Slay Zombie" as a source text. Group Performance Project rehearsals will continue. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Practical |
Week 12: Performance Week Students will be able to rehearse their performance assessments in the place of the week 12 lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 12: Performance Week Performances of Group Performance Projects in allocated times. There will be some student choice, however please note performance times may not correspond to timetabled tutorials. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Week 13 (25 May - 31 May) |
Lecture |
Week 13: What next? This lecture will summarise course content and consider some future directions the theatre experience might take. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 13: No tutorial |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
- Recording of Teaching Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.