Theatre Studies- AS/A Level

THEATRE STUDIES - AS/A LEVEL

Awarding Body: EdExcel

THAS

How long is the course?
The course is divided into AS and A2. Students can take AS over one year or both AS & A2 units over two years to make up a full A Level.

Cost:
Approx £20 for theatre trips, in addition to books that are necessary for the completion of the AS Level. You will be required to attend at least one performance and buy one play script for Year 2.

Is there an interview?
Yes

What can I progress to?
Drama School
Higher Education
Employment

Possible Subject Combinations
Due to the emphasis on communication and analysis within Theatre Studies, it is a valuable addition to any A Level programme. It also combines well with a vocational Performing Arts programme.

Extra Curricular Activities
All students can add to their main programme of study by taking part in a wide range of clubs, groups, societies and courses. Not only are the activities fun, they also develop skills and provide new and fulfilling experiences, as well as enhancing applications to Higher Education and employment.

What is the course about?
This syllabus is a natural progression for any students who have done the GCSE Drama course using the EdExcel syllabus. It is also an ideal course for anyone wishing to take up Drama at this level for the first time.
Most of the work students do will be practical. Students will tackle plays and texts of every possible kind. Students will be encouraged to approach all the elements of the course from three points of view: the actor, the director, and the designer. Above all, this is a course which gives you the opportunity to put your ideas into live action. There are two units in each year.

AS Level

Unit 1: Exploration of Drama & Theatre
In this unit students will explore two plays through improvisation and drama workshops. There are no set-texts, so the plays will be chosen by your Tutor, based on your own interests. At the end of the workshops students will produce a written evaluation of the work they have done which will be submitted as coursework. You will also be assesed on the practical work you do during this period. You will explore the work of drama practitioners throughout this module. This is externally assessed.

Unit 2: Theatre Text in Performance
You will produce a full length play which will be performed in front of an external examiner and invited audience. You will also work as an individual to produce a monologue which will also be presented. To accompany this practical work you will submit a character analysis.

A2 Level
Unit 3 - Exploration of Dramatic Performance
You will explore and develop an original piece of theatre from a given stimulus. This piece will be performed to an audience and demonstrate all of the skills techniques you have developed throughout the course. You will also submit a written evaluation of your process and ideas.

Unit 4 - Theatre Text in Context
You will explore a set text and a seen live performance from the point of view of the actor, director and designer in relation to the original performance conditions. This unit is a written exam.

What are the course outcomes?
You will develop the practical and analytical skills needed to develop performance ideas. You will develop an understanding of theatre history and current performance practice.

How will you be assessed?

AS Level:
Unit l: Internally assessed through 40% practical and written coursework.

Unit 2; Externally assessed practical 60% exam.

A2; Unit 3. Internally and externally assessed 40%. Practical exam and written evaluation.

Unit 4: Written exam 60%. Set texts.

Requirement
7 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English. Drama at grade B or above if taken at GCSE. Applicants will be expected to successfully complete an audition. How long is the course? The course is divided into AS and A2. Students can take AS over one year or both AS & A2 units over two years to make up a full A Level. Cost: Approx £20 for theatre trips, in addition to books that are necessary for the completion of the AS Level. You will be required to attend at least one performance and buy one play script for Year 2.