A Level Drama and Theatre Studies

Why Study This Subject?

Theatre Studies will develop your talents in performance and/or design and technical skills. The course develops excellent communication skills, creativity and invention, the ability to think independently, analytic skills, team building and people skills; all qualities valued highly by employers and Higher Education providers. Past students have gone on to a range of courses at degree level, not just Theatre Studies and Acting courses, but Arts Administration and Management, Teaching, Hospitality Management, Film and Television Production, Broadcast Journalism, Events Management, Costume and Set Design, Fashion, Law, Marketing Management and Public Relations.

Students are expected to undertake 3-4 hours of independent work each week for this subject.

Topics you will cover

Two plays are studied from a performance perspective. These set texts (one classical, one contemporary) are explored in terms of their directing, performance and design possibilities. This will be assessed in a written examination.

You will see and analyse a diverse range of live productions, focusing on specific production elements such as lighting design, performances, costume or set design to understand the semiotics of performance. A written examination will assess these skills.

The practical components consist of a group performance of a self-devised production using the techniques of a theatre practitioner. Assessment also includes preparatory and development work in the ‘Working Notebook’.

You are also assessed through three group performances of extracts from published plays, using the rehearsal techniques and performance methods of a key theatre practitioner. Students can offer acting, lighting design, sound design or costume design / making as their specialist skill. Assessment also includes a reflective report analysing and evaluating your theatrical interpretation of all three extracts.

Entry Guidelines

Other than the College’s general entry requirements there are no additional qualifications needed to study Drama and Theatre Studies.

You do need a proven interest and some experience in drama and theatre. This A Level will occasionally involve you rehearsing after College and seeing live productions in the evening.

A Level Drama and Theatre Studies

Why Study This Subject?

Topics you will cover

Entry Guidelines

Skills you will develop

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