Reading for Performance

Learners gain the skills to bring words on a page to life by creating a compelling themed recital.
A LAMDA Exams Learner with a script

About the exam

Learners taking their Reading for Performance exams are exploring the art of bringing a book to life. They are building performances around themes, selecting texts and forming them into an engaging recital by linking the works with their own words. Their performances are animated and imaginative and designed to draw in an audience by using movement and vocals to reflect the contrasting text.

At Level Three, learners are using their research skills to prepare their recital, and also responding to texts immediately as they sight-read during their exams.

LAMDA is recognised to award qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), in Wales by Qualifications Wales (QiW), and in Northern Ireland by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA). 

What does the exam involve?

Type of exam: Solo 

Time allowance: 10 minutes 

  • Performing a recital consisting of two verse readings and links (an introduction, a linking statement, and a conclusion)
  • Answering questions related to their recital

Please see the LAMDA Communication Graded Examinations Syllabus (2019).

Type of exam: Solo 

Time allowance: 15 minutes 

  • Performing a recital consisting of one verse reading, one prose reading and links (an introduction, a linking statement, and a conclusion)
  • Answering questions related to their recital

Please see the LAMDA Communication Graded Examinations Syllabus (2019). 

Type of exam: Solo 

Time allowance: 20 minutes 

  • Performing a themed recital consisting of three readings and links (an introduction, two linking statements, and a conclusion)
  • Answering questions related to their recital

Please see the LAMDA Communication Graded Examinations Syllabus (2019).

Type of exam: Solo 

Time allowance: Grade 6: 30 minutes, Grades 7 & 8: 35 minutes

  • Performing a recital consisting of three readings and links (an introduction, two linking statement, and a conclusion)
  • Sight-reading a text 
  • Answering questions related to their recital

Please see the LAMDA Communication Graded Examinations Syllabus (2019).

Requirements

Full details of the requirements, assessment criteria and regulations for each grade can be found in the LAMDA Communication Graded Examinations Syllabus. 

2024 (in effect for examinations from 1 August 2024)

As part of the 2024 Syllabus update, Learners are able to perform all pieces in the new Acting Anthology Volume 5 and previous Acting Anthology Volume 4, and all pieces in the new Verse and Prose Anthology Volume 20 and Verse and Prose Anthology Volume 19, for first assessment from 1 August 2024.

Resources & Teaching Materials

Explore our FAQs to find out more about our syllabi and qualifications. 

All our syllabi listed below are available for free via download, or you can purchase our full range of publications from our online shop.

You will need: 

  • Communication Syllabus from August 2024 (for examinations from 1 August 2024)

These might also be useful:

  • Teacher support material graded examinations in Communication, available via our Download Centre
  • Knowledge Matters Volume 3 
  • Verse and Prose Anthology Volume 18  
  • Verse and Prose Anthology Volume 19

Download the syllabus   Visit the online shop