Performance Studies

Exam Board:OCR

What is this course about?
This subject consists of practical and written work across the three art forms of dance, drama and music. Students will study all three and need to have sound skills in two of them. Dance comprises all styles from ballet and contemporary to martial arts and physical theatre.
For the AS level you will study:
For the AS level you will study the 15 elements of the three art forms and use them to devise four short performance pieces in small groups. The fourth piece is integrated which means that the three art forms are used in one piece much like in a piece of musical theatre such as West Side Story, Chicago or Into the Woods. These 30 minute pieces are performed at the Riverhouse Barn in Walton to give you the experience of creating your own company, selling tickets through a box office and taking control of publicity. You will write a 3000 commentary on the four pieces. The second unit Performance Contexts One allows you an in-depth study of four songs by the Beatles, one dance work by Matthew Bourne (e.g Nutcracker/The Car Man/Edward Scissorhands) and a play by John Godber
(Bouncers/Shakers/September in the Rain)
For the A2 you will study:
For the A2 level you will study Post Modern approaches to performance work which consists of nine different practitioners e.g David Bowie, Bjork, Mark Ravenhill, Akram Khan, Lea Anderson, Javier de Frutos and a DJ of your choice as well as physical theatre companies such as Frantic Assembly, Motionhouse and Knee HIgh . You will need to study one piece by each practitioner. This unit is assessed through a 2 hour written examination. You will devise a 30 minute integrated piece based on a given commission. You will perform a piece of repertoire taken from the study of one of the works from either the AS or the A2 course. This can be in a single art form or more than one art form.
What skills will I need and develop in this course?
You will need some experience in two of the art forms, a willingness to try new styles and forms, a desire to work with others and a grade C in English. You will develop a range of performance, writing and devising skills. You will develop your self-confidence and presentation skills.
How is the course assessed?
The course is 70% coursework and 30% written exam.
Subject combination advice:
Performance Studies is an asset for any subject combination. It is an academic subject which demands 100% commitment to written and practical work.
What can the course lead to in terms of higher education and future careers?
Performer, critic, therapist, art administrator, arts funder, Performing Arts co-ordinator, degrees in discreet art forms i.e dance, drama, music, musical theatre or in combination with other subjects e.g English or Art.
What are the formal entry requirements for this course?
Aside from the general entry criteria that the College requires, you will also need a grade C in English GCSE and some experience of two of the art forms whether through GCSE or other lessons/grade exams out of school.
What extra support / enrichment activities are on offer?
Professional companies come to college to perform and do workshops with the students e.g the Reform Theatre company from Sheffield are performing "Bouncers" in the College Theatre in November 2008. Trips this year include West Side Story, Edward Scissorhands, La Ronde, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, To Be Straight With You (dv8), Othello, Stomp and Phoenix Dance Company.
What is the difference between Theatre Studies and Performance Studies?
We have coursework in both years and several opportunities to resit exams and resubmit work in order to improve your target grades. We are not only drama - we also do dance and music. Our focus is on modern day companies and pieces.