AS Level Theatre Studies (THEA-S)

AS Level Theatre Studies (THEA-S)

Course Description
What will I learn on this course?
AS
You will:-
· learn to interpret text in performance , taking a role in a directed full- scale production of a play and also performing either a monologue or duologoue

· examine the context of a play , in terms of the time in which it was written and performed and the style of theatre used, to interpret the text

· explore the medium of drama and theatre through practical work on two plays of a contrasting form and style

· develop a particular theatrical skill : acting; costume design; set design and construction; technical elements (lighting or sound)

· learn to respond critically to contemporary productions seen over the year of the course

· learn about: different forms, styles and periods of theatre; the work of modern practitioners (someone who developed ideas about performing, and what makes powerful theatre); theatre terms. This will all be achieved through practical work where possible.

A2
You will:-
· learn how to use established theatrical techniques to produce an original piece of drama for an audience

· study two plays , from the early history of theatre, putting them in their historical context and learning to analyse them from a performance perspective. You will see one of the plays in performance

· learn about contrasting forms, styles and periods of theatre, and the work of modern theatre practitioners, all through practical work.

What kind of assessments will I have to complete to get my qualification?
AS
40% COURSE-WORK/
CONTINUOUS
ASSESSMENT
The first unit, involving the practical exploration of theatre through two plays, is assessed partly through 'Exploration Notes', rather than via essay writing, and partly through continual assessment of practical work. You will also complete a live theatre performance evaluation.

60% PRACTICAL EXAM
The practical examination of acting or design skills is done by a visit from an external examiner, assessing your role in a production of a play mounted for the second unit. You will also perform either a monologue or a duologue.

A2
40%
PRACTICAL
EXAM
The devised drama piece is a group project where you will be assessed on both your preparation and final performance.

60%
WRITTEN
EXAM
The rest of A2 will be assessed via a written examination, in the form of essays. You will take the exam at the end of your second year of A levels.

What kind of student is this course suitable for?
You have to be enthusiastic about theatre, both practice and theory. You should enjoy going to the theatre, being critical about what you have seen and producing theatre of a high standard. You should be able to work practically, and be able to get on with other students, so that you can develop effective pieces of drama. You should enjoy researching and reading plays and studying practitioners. You should have some potential to develop a particular theatrical skill: acting; set design; costume or lighting design; mask work.

What could I do with a qualification in this subject?
The transferable skills which you will acquire in this subject will help prepare you for a range of careers. The subject trains you to think critically, and will develop your creative potential. It has overlaps with design and with art, and can support careers in these areas. It will improve your ability to communicate ideas, to be confident, and work successfully in a team. It will not guarantee you a job in the theatre, although it could help.

Entry Requirements
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
If you have done Drama GCSE you should have a grade B, otherwise recent practical performance is required. You must have at least a grade B in GCSE English Literature and at least a grade C in GCSE English Language, because 50% of the course is assessed through written examination or written coursework. There is also a cost involved. You will be spending approximately £50 per year on visits to contemporary productions. This is also an assessed part of the course.