A2 Drama & Theatre Studies

AS/A2 DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES

AQA (1-2 years)

Minimum Entry Requirement

You will need to achieve at least 5 GCSEs at grade A-C, including Maths and English. We strongly advise a Grade B in English due to the complexity of the texts studied and the need for advanced essay writing skills. You will also need a strong background in Drama. You will have gained at least a grade C in GCSE Drama or in equivalent nationally recognised exams (Guildhall or LAMDA grade 8). Auditions may be held for this course.

Course Content

This course provides an opportunity to study the theatre as a single subject as part of a flourishing department. You will extend your skills in both the understanding of theatre and performance of drama. You will work in specialist facilities, be involved in a wide range of performance tasks and take part in a variety of workshops. You will need to have a real commitment to the study of Theatre, academically and practically, involving new ideas and forms of performance.

AS Level

In your first year you will study one set play and attend a range of live productions which will form the basis of your written examination (60%). The practical exam (32%) will be the performance of an extract of a published play which will adopt the style of a director studied on the course with supporting notes (8%)

A2 Level

In your second year you will study two set plays from the perspective of an actor, designer or director which form the basis of your written examination (60%). The practical exam (32%) will involve as a group the devising of an original piece of theatre for performance and coursework of supporting notes (8%).

Methods of Teaching

You will be taught by more than one teacher in both years and receive support in class from a technical instructor when appropriate. Classes will involve reading, discussions, presentations, and practical tasks in support of different elements of stagecraft. You will in addition to performance skills, develop skills in critical analysis, observation, interpretation and communication.

Financial Implications

In order to fund the examination requirement of theatre visits and workshops students will be expected to pay £100.00 in their first year and approximately £60.00 in their second year. This will include a contribution of £10.00 towards photocopying costs. There are two compulsory texts required in the first (amounting to around £25.00 and three in the second (amounting to around £30.00)

Course Combinations

It is not advisable to combine Applied Performing Arts and Drama and Theatre Studies. It is important to realise that this will reduce options at Higher Education and involve an increase of weekend and evening rehearsals and conflicts of study across the two courses.

Career Possibilities

A Level Drama and Theatre Studies leads on naturally to Higher Education courses and professional training in Drama and other Arts and Humanities subjects. The transferable skills the subject offers are also useful in vocational areas including the media and television, teaching, and arts administration.