Drama and Theatre Studies AS / A Level

Summary: The course provides knowledge and understanding of the language of drama and theatre as well as developing your performing skills.








Course description: This course takes a practical approach and you will learn, rehearse and perform in our specially designed drama studio. There is a strong focus on drama that you may have performed or seen in a theatre, and we aim to give students a chance to perform in larger venues such as The Norwich Playhouse. We also hope to include work with visiting professional actors and directors as part of the course.
You must enjoy acting and be prepared to develop your skills and understanding to a higher level. Being a good team player is an important asset in this subject as you will be constantly working with other students. You will also be required to learn and remember lines. Finally, you need to be imaginative, reliable and capable of meeting regular deadlines.
The course includes trips to see theatrical performances. These have included Emperor and Galilean at The National Theatre, Dr Faustus at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Propeller Theatre’s Richard III at Norwich’s Theatre Royal.
We expect students to be excellent team players, to have initiative, maturity and imagination and to appreciate that writing in detail about your thoughts and experiences during workshops is an essential part of developing your skills as a performer. A high level of attendance is also essential as you will be involved in group performances where students depend on each other’s support to succeed.
Drama and theatre studies can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose to combine it with English, media studies or film studies.









Entry requirements: Applicants should have five GCSEs at grades A* - C including English. You do not need to have studied Drama before, but if you have, you will need to have a GCSE at grade A*-C or equivalent.









Objective: This course provides an opportunity to study plays from the point of view of a director, designer, performer and critic.









Assessment: Assessment is through written examinations, practical work and can include technical skills such as sound and lighting as well as performances.









Academic progression: Successful students may go on to university and we will encourage you to apply to join the National Youth Theatre, as an effective way of preparing for university auditions.









Career progression: The study of drama develops a wide variety of transferable skills that will be an asset in any profession. Students may go on to work within the theatre, or into many other careers.