A level Theatre Studies

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

It is not necessary to have studied GCSE Drama to do well at Drama and Theatre Studies at A-level.  Good grades in GCSE English will suggest that you might be suitable for this course, but experience of drama, and genuine interest in drama will be the major assets.  Although you should be willing to perform in public, the course will also appeal to those who are interested in other areas of theatre, such as lighting, sound and design.

What is “Drama and Theatre Studies”?

It is a practical course, which aims to introduce students to all aspects of drama and the theatre, as performers, directors, designers and critics.  While there is a certain amount of classroom discussion, research, formal teaching, and writing, the emphasis is very much with processes of creating live drama.  Learning consists largely of drama workshops, rehearsals, theatre visits and performances.

What will I do on the AS course?

You will explore two plays, chosen by your teachers, from the perspective of performers, designers and directors.  From a balanced blend of practical workshops, research and classroom learning, you will produce a set of “Exploration Notes”, which may include drawings and diagrams.  You will also be assessed through practical activities.  You are then directed in a play chosen by your teachers.  Most will act, although it is possible to be assessed through the areas of Design and Lighting.  Please tell us this when applying for the course. This play will be performed to an audience that will include the external examiner.  For your one exam, you will be asked to respond to two areas: first, your understanding of the play in which you shall have performed; second, your views of performances you shall have been taken to see.  You will keep notes on these two areas throughout the course and may take them into the exam.

What will I do on the A2 course?

As a group, you will devise your own short performance, making reflective notes throughout the process.  You will be assessed both on these notes and on your contribution to the process and the performance.  In smaller groups, you will then explore another play from the perspective of directors, designers and performers, and this time select a scene, or scenes, to direct, design and/or perform in which you demonstrate your interpretation of the play.  These will be presented in a short performance and be assessed by an external examiner.  The final exam will again consist of two sections: firstly, you will respond as a director to an extract based on your study of a chosen play; secondly, you will answer a question based on research of a play and a review of this play in performance.

Where might this subject take me?

Drama and Theatre Studies is recognised by universities as a challenging and serious qualification.  It is an obvious qualification for those applying to Drama and Media courses, but the creative and disciplined nature of the course means that the A-level qualifies the student for many professions where confident, creative, independent thought is required.