AS/A2 Drama & Theatre Studies

AS/A2 Drama & Theatre Studies

Why study Theatre Studies?
Theatre Studies offers students an opportunity to develop a wide range of skills that would be appropriate for the world of work and university. It is assumed that you will have acquired an interest in, and enthusiasm for, plays, theatre and performance, but you need not have studied Drama previously. The course involves acting, improvisation, movement, writing about plays and analysing them, realising the performance potential within a text as well as understanding theatre history and its relationship to contemporary practice. The study of theory is mainly through practice; indeed there are practical performance opportunities throughout the course.

What will I study and how will it be assessed?
The course is divided into four units:

Unit 1 The Exploration of Drama and Theatre AS 40% (A2 20%).
This unit introduces you to the content of plays written for theatre. Within this unit you will study two plays from the point of view of performers, designers and directors. These texts will be studied in practical workshops and you will need to complete a set of Exploration Notes. You will also be introduced to a basic vocabulary of drama and theatre. You will attend live theatre performances for which you will have to submit an evaluation.

Unit 2 Text in Performance One AS 60% (A2 30%).
In this unit you will undertake a role within the production of a play which will be performed in front of an invited audience and externally marked. You will be assessed in the effective use of performance skills as applied to the text and the way in which you communicate your interpretation of the character. Also you will be required to perform either a monologue or duologue from a different play.

Unit 3 Exploration of Dramatic Performance (A2 20%).
For this unit you will have to devise an original piece of theatre to be presented to an audience. You will work towards creating a script and will be responsible for all aspects of production. You will be assessed on the research, development and final performance. You will be required to complete an evaluation on both the process and the final performance.

Unit 4 Theatre Text in Context Written Exam (A2 30%).
You will study a further two plays in depth from different periods. You will explore how directors, performers and designers have approached and interpreted the set texts. It is essential that during the course you go to see as wide a range as possible of live theatre and, although we organise theatre visits on a regular basis, you are encouraged to make visits of your own.

Does Theatre Studies link particularly well with other subjects?
The Theatre Studies course provides a wide range of skills that complement most other areas of study as well as benefiting those who are seeking employment. There is great emphasis on team working, building students confidence and interpersonal skills.

Where might it lead me?
The Theatre Studies course provides a suitable qualification for students who may wish to study Drama at a higher level, or who wish to follow a wide range of courses including media, performing arts, or education.