Speech & Drama
Speech and Performance, Voice and Communication, Drama and Communication, Speech and Performance Theory
Speech and Drama subjects can help students to develop acting and performance skills, self-expression, communication skills, or learn about speech and performance theory.
Speech and Performance
This creative, formative syllabus is designed to develop interpretative and performance skills across a broad range of styles, genres and eras. Candidates will achieve secure vocal technique, integrated physical response and imaginative and insightful presentation of texts.
The syllabus encourages learning through the exploration and interpretation of a diverse range of texts and provides the opportunity to combine a number of performance skills in a single exam.
A list of suggested texts for each grade is printed at the end of the syllabus, but the choice of texts rests with the candidate.
Voice and Communication
This syllabus is designed to support candidates in getting their message across by developing voice and communication skills for everyday life and the professional sector.
The exams begin at preliminary for younger students who may wish to improve their English communication skills. More advanced grades cater for secondary and tertiary students or people working in the corporate sector or broader community. Advanced candidates benefit from completing the certificate and the associate diploma in professional communication, a recognised qualification in academic and industry spheres.
Candidates are examined individually and receive their own report grading and certificate even though they may take their exam with a group. Members of a group provide support for each other and act as a springboard for discussion.
Drama and Communication
The Drama and communication syllabus uses creative dynamics, an improvisational approach. This encourages students to enjoy the creative dynamic of group work.
In the exam, groups can be large, or as small as just two students.
The program targets listening, concentration and movement alongside the art of drama and entertainment.
Speech and Performance Theory
Speech and performance theory students learn how to master communicating in the English language. Students analyse the functional framework of English communication, exploring linguistic tools, vocal modulation, the use of phonetic tools and the study of theatre and communication theory.
This syllabus supports the practical speech and drama studies.
In higher grades, the syllabuses align as follows:
- Grade 6 Speech and Performance and / or Voice and Communication align with grade 4 Speech and Performance theory
- Grade 7 Speech and Performance and / or Voice and Communication align with grade 5 Speech and Performance theory
- Grade 8 Speech and Performance and / or Voice and Communication align with grade 6 Speech and Performance theory
- CSPA and CVCA practical certificates align with grade 7 Speech and Performance theory
Speech and Performance Theory Grades 1 to 7 are now offered as online exams. Candidates may sit these exams at any convenient time within twelve months of purchase.
Speech & Performance and Voice & Communication Fees - 2026
Preliminary
$110.00
Grade 1
$119.00
Grade 2
$126.00
Grade 3
$140.00
Grade 4
$149.00
Grade 5
$158.00
Grade 6
$179.00
Grade 7
$212.00
Grade 8
$245.00
Certificate
$273.00
Associate (Practical)
$425.00
Associate (Folio)
$205.00
Licentiate (Practical)
$560.00
Drama & Communication fees - per group
Introductory
$235.00
Grade 1
$235.00
Grade 2
$235.00
Grade 3
$278.00
Grade 4
$291.00
Grade 5
$291.00
Grade 6
$323.00
Speech & Performance Theory fees
Grade 1
$92.00
Grade 2
$94.00
Grade 3
$99.00
Grade 4
$104.00
Grade 5
$110.00
Grade 6
$116.00
Grade 7
$134.00
All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST.
Enrolling for exams
Exams in Speech & Drama are offered in five Metropolitan Practical Sessions and two Regional Practical Sessions. Diploma exams are held at the AMEB Studios in Hawthorn: Associate exams in each of the five Metropolitan Practical Sessions, Licentiate exams in July and September.
Enrolments for online Written exams are made through AMEB Connect. Once an exam is purchased, the enrolling person will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment by email which will contain an Exam Key and Exam PIN. These provide access to the exam via the SCORE website. The Exam Key expires twelve months after purchase.
Associate and Licentiate Diploma candidates can enrol up to six weeks in advance of their written exam. The exam date, venue and supervision arrangements are negotiable. Please contact us for more information.
Licentiate candidates can enrol for Section III at any time and must submit their dissertation within six weeks of enrolling. The dissertation topic must be approved by AMEB before starting the dissertation.
Exam Requirements
It is essential that teachers and candidates consult the current syllabus for details of specific exam requirements and regulations. AMEB syllabuses are now available as free digital downloads. Choose from a single instrument syllabus, syllabuses grouped by instrument family or the complete Manual of Syllabuses.
AMEB Victoria acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
