Theatre Studies AS and A Level

Is this subject right for me?
Are you willing to explore new ideas and take risks?
Are you interested in other art forms?
Do you work well with others, and also on your own initiative?
Do you have good organisational skills?
Are you able to work to deadlines?

Why study this subject?

1. Because you enjoy theatre, creating theatre, performing theatre, learning about theatre, discussing theatre, writing about theatre â€" and going to the theatre!

2. Because you want to be involved in a subject which includes practical work physical, vocal, emotional & artistic in groups, leading to performances.

3. Because you are also interested in studying play texts and practioners,
analysing them closely and writing essays about them.

4. You are interested in the roles of the director, designer and playwright, as well as the actor.

What is the course content?

First Year (AS)

You†ll study two plays, act them out in class, discuss and analyse them, explain and write coursework about them, study the ideas of a well-known practitioners and explore them through practical work and through discussion. You will also go on theatre trips, then discuss and write an analysis of the plays you see.
Practical Work: Students will see that studying involves a good deal of practical work. Also, your major task will be to work towards end of year performances.

Second Year (A2)

You will work in a group and devise a project for performance from a given stimulus.
You will write how you achieved your play and what you have learnt, in an ongoing log book that will contribute to your supporting written evidence.
You will also study one set texts and see a modern performance of an historical play.
You will explore the set text practically and from the perspective of the director, examining how the plays should be rehearsed and understood by an audience. Also, you will be required to analyse and evaluate how a modern production has interpreted a historic text and relate this to your understanding of its original performance conditions.

How will your work be assessed?
First Year (AS)
The plays that you study and see will be written about in coursework. You will also be given practical tasks that are assessed.
40% of the AS marks
You will be marked on the performance you give in a play, as part of a cast and also in either monologue or duologue.
60% of the AS marks
Second Year (A2)
You will be marked on the process (devising and rehearsing) and the
performance of your project, together with your supporting written evidence (including your log book)
40% of A2 marks
This is a written exam and you will be required to answer questions on your studied set texts and the historical play which you have been to see during the year.
60% of A2 marks.

What are the entry requirements?
The general entry requirements for studying at Advanced Level apply, and must include a minimum of grade C in English GCSE.
You will also need a readiness to involve yourself in practical work and in studying.

Other information
Quite a lot of Theatre Studies students study English AS alongside, as you will study plays in both and they complement each other. In English however, you will not discuss body language, gestures, vocal techniques, set and lighting, costume and you won†t have to perform!
Drama can help your personal development, confidence and social skills.

What can I use Theatre Studies for?
Theatre Studies is a communication subject which analyses the visual and the verbal. It is suitable for careers in Journalism, Advertising, the Police Force, Law, Film & TV.

It is recognised as an academic subject for entry into university.

10/09