Course Detail

The Course

As a result of the performance requirements and number of texts that need to be studied for a drama and theatre qualification, we have been advised by the exam board to only offer this as a two-year A-Level course. We have taken this advice, as it is in the best interest of our students and will maximise their chances of succeeding.

Drama and theatre is an exciting and rewarding area of study. Each student will experience performing in our 300-seat auditorium with industry-standard sound and lighting equipment. You will work in an atmosphere that is both challenging and supportive. The course will introduce you to a range of theatre practitioners and playwrights, and you will explore their work both practically and analytically, from the perspectives of actor, deviser, director, theatre critic and designer.

Why study Drama and Theatre?
Our students leave the department every year to enter the full spectrum of degree courses at both University and Drama School. Employers and HE institutions recognise the value of this course as it provides students with transferable skills that encourage creativity, communication, sensitivity, self-confidence and leadership.

You will be taught by an enthusiastic and experienced team. Our varied teaching strategies will engage you through practical activities, study group, work discussions, individual research, as a theatre company, extended practical project work and performance. Lecturers have experience as examiners both for the practical and written elements of the examination.

Course Content
The course encourages a critical, reflective and response to theatre, using live theatre productions and play texts as stimuli. You will study five performance texts in total and the methodologies of two influential theatre practitioners. You will be making, performing and interpreting. You are required to participate in three performances, one devised, one as a group member from a performance text and one text performed either individually or with a partner during the A-Level.

Component 1: Devising – 40% of the qualification
Working as a theatre company you will devise an original theatre performance. You will initially study both a given performance text through teacher-led practical workshops and a key theatre practitioner as stimuli. There are two parts to the assessment; a portfolio and the devised performance in front of a live audience. This is internally assessed.

Component 2: Text in Performance – 20% of the qualification
You will be part of a group performance of a theatre text selected by your lecturers. You have the option of selecting an acting or design role. You will also perform a monologue or duologue from a different published theatrical text. These are both externally assessed by a visiting examiner and performed in front of live audiences.

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice – 40% of the qualification – Written examination
Section A: Live Theatre Evaluation. Students will analyse and evaluate live theatre. You will answer one extended response question.

Section B: Page to Stage. You will answer two extended response questions based on an unseen extract from the performance text set by the exam board. You will answer the questions from the perspectives of a performer and a designer. You will demonstrate how you intend to realise the extract in performance. This will initially be studied during Year 12 and explored through practical workshops and a mock examination.

Section C: Interpreting a Performance Text. You will have studied another set text prescribed by the exam board. You will demonstrate your own re-imagined directorial concept that will communicate ideas to a contemporary audience. You will have also have studied another theatre practitioner and will need to outline how they have influenced your overall production concept. This will be studied during Year 13.