Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91517 about?

Accepted Answer

You're taking on a significant acting role in a published play that's being staged for a real audience. You need to prepare thoroughly (attending rehearsals, learning your lines, working with the director) and then deliver a solid performance that stays true to what you and your teacher have planned. The role needs to be substantial enough that you're meaningfully contributing to the whole production.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91517?

Accepted Answer

1. Attend rehearsals consistently and participate actively in developing your character and the scenes 2. Learn your lines and blocking by the deadlines set, and annotate your script with notes about your character's intentions and movements 3. Accept direction from the director and cooperate with your fellow cast members to make the production work as a team 4. Perform your role for a live audience in a way that matches what you've rehearsed and agreed with your teacher 5. Sustain your character throughout the performance, staying in role and fulfilling the expectations of your substantial part

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91517?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You perform a substantial role that you've prepared for, delivering your lines and movements as rehearsed for a live audience. Merit: You perform the role with skill and control, sustaining a convincing character throughout the performance with a clear sense of purpose and competence. Excellence: You perform an accomplished role that communicates real depth and complexity, exploring different layers of your character's meaning to enhance both your role and the wider dramatic context of the production.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91517?

Accepted Answer

1. Not preparing thoroughly during rehearsals—teachers and examiners need to see evidence that you've attended, engaged actively, and worked on your character development, not just shown up on performance night 2. Delivering a performance that doesn't match what was agreed and rehearsed with your teacher, or breaking character or losing focus during the live performance 3. Taking a role that's too small or underdeveloped to count as 'substantial'—your part needs to be large enough that you're genuinely contributing something meaningful to the production, not just playing a minor character

Acting Role

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