A-Levels: Drama & Theatre Studies

Why study Drama & Theatre studies?
Theatre has always satisfied a human need for story-telling,entertainment and providing insights into the issues and relationships that concern us. Drama & Theatre Studies gives you the opportunity to explore the theory behind creating effective theatre and develop skills to enable you to create your own. During the course you will look at work from the point of view of Director, Designer and Performer. You will have the opportunity to explore a variety of theatrical styles: through practical work, by analysing productions that you see and through developing your own directorial interpretations for the plays that you study.

What do I study?

Unit 1: Written - Live Theatre Production Seen and Approaches to Text
- study of a set text
- response to live theatre seen during the year - practical criticism
Unit 2: Practical - Presentation of play extract
- performance in groups of part of a play text
Unit 3: Written - Text into Performance
- study of two further set texts from a range of periods
Unit 4: Practical - Devising
- presentation of a piece of drama devised in groups

Where does Drama & Theatre studies take me?
Drama & Theatre Studies is an academic subject which can be combined with all Arts for entry into Higher Education. It has the added advantage of carrying numerous transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, team-work, Collective responsibility, negotiation and collaboration. It has particular value for careers in Teaching, Law, Marketing, Personnel, Advertising, Public Relations, Retailing, Management, the Arts and Arts Administration. It also has affinities with subjects such as Physics for more technical careers in the entertainment industry.

What do I need?

You will be expected to be available after College hours and during the February half-term holiday for rehearsals and theatre visits. You will need enthusiasm, commitment and the stamina to contribute positively to the group throughout the rehearsal period and to see a project through to the final performance.
*Please note that if you study this course you will not always be able to catch the College bus in the evenings as you will need to be available after College for rehearsals and shows. On these occasions you will have to make your own arrangements for transport home.
*There is an additional fee of approximately £120 which contributes towards the cost of attending theatre events. This is a compulsory part of the course.