AS/A Level Drama and Theatre Studies

AS/A LEVEL DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES

WHAT IS DRAMA?
Drama is a very lively course which incorporates the practical study of settexts from the Greeks to the late 20th Century as well as investigating the theory and practise of acting, directing and staging live theatre.

WHY STUDY DRAMA?
This course offers you the chance to perform scripted plays, devise your own productions and to analyse and review performances you have seen as an audience. You will also look at the theory and practise of key theatre practitioners who have had a large influence on the modern stage as we know it today, such as Constantin Stanislavski and Bertolt Brecht.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS

• The ability to plan and write good essays
• The ability to keep ongoing, accurate and evaluative records of practical work
• The confidence to read aloud in front of large groups
• The confidence to participate in group practical work

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT
The A level course is divided into 4 units, 2 are written exam papers and 2 practical assessments.

In the first year of the course you will study the following two units:

Unit 1 Live Theatre Production Seen and Prescribed Play

Candidates' Personal Response to Live Theatre seen During the Course.You will have to write about one live performance you have seen as an audience member, evaluating the experience as you witnessed it. Regular trips to the theatre are an essential part of this unit to build up your experience of live performance as an audience member.

Interpretation of a Set Play from a Performance Perspective.You will explore the text from the point of view of an actor, director and audience member. You will be given the opportunity to participate in all of these disciplines as you study the genre, acting style, social and historical contexts and different production concepts.

This unit will be assessed by a written exam at the end of the AS year.

Unit 2 Presentation of an Extract of a Play

• Working in groups to develop and present an extract from a published play chosen by the candidates
• Study of an influential director, designer, theatre company or other practitioner, linked to the candidate's practical work. The group will be responsible for the creation of the performance from text to performance, with guidance and support from the tutor.

This unit will be assessed by a practical exam during the AS year.

At A2, the specification provides candidates with the opportunity to develop skills and extend and apply knowledge gained at AS level in the following units;

Unit 3: Further Prescribed Plays including Pre-Twentieth Century

• Study of a set play with a choice from a variety of pre-twentieth century plays
• Study of a set play with a choice from a variety of 20th century plays or contemporary drama.

This unit will be assessed by a written exam at the end of the A2 year.

Unit 4: Presentation of Devised Drama

• Working in groups to develop and present a devised drama, performed in a theatrical style of their choice
• Research into a theatrical style chosen by the group for their practical work.
  

This unit will be assessed by a practical exam during the A2 year.

COURSE COMMITMENT
You are expected to wear appropriate clothing dark colours, which allow freedom of movement, sensible footwear and no jewellery (for health and safety reasons). You will also be expected to be involved in the course way beyond your timetabled lessons, so you must be prepared to work beyond the normal college hours.

PROGRESSION ROUTES
If youre looking at going on to University or College you could take a degree in

• Performing Arts
  
• Performance Design and Management
  
• Media Performance

If youre looking at going straight into employment, you could go into

• Performance support
  
• Administration for performance
  
• Workshop leadership and support