Why Drama and Theatre Studies?
Theatre Studies offers students an opportunity to develop a wide range of personal and academic skills that would make ideal preparation for the world of work and university. The course involves acting, improvisation, movement, assessing and analysing script, realising the performance potential within a text as well as understanding theatre history and its relationship to contemporary practice. The study of theory is mainly through practice; indeed there are practical performance opportunities throughout the course.

Are there any recommendations for entry to this course?

GCSE passes at grade 6 in English and English Literature are preferred. To do this course you should have an interest in, and enthusiasm for plays, theatre and performance, but you do not need to have studied Drama previously or had any formal training in the subject.

What will I study?
Component 1 - Devising
Assessed on:
- Application of a chosen practitioner
- A written portfolio, documenting the devising process
- A formal performance (internally assessed; externally moderated)
- 80 marks
- 40% of A Level

Component 2 – Text in Performance
Assessed on:
- Group performance of one key extract
- A monologue from one key extract
- A formal performance (externally assessed)
- 60 marks
- 20% of A Level

Component 3 – Theatre makers in practice
Externally assessed on:
- Section A: live theatre evaluation (extended response to live theatre)
- Section B: page to stage – realising a performance text (extended response to unseen extract)
- Section C: interpreting a performance text (extended response to seen text but unseen named section)
- 80 marks
- 40% of A Level

What can study of this subject lead to?
Drama and Theatre Studies A Level provides a wide range of skills that complement most other areas of study, as well as benefiting those who are seeking employment. There is great emphasis on team working, building students’ confidence and inter personal skills. You may find work in a wide range of professions related to the
performing arts such as an actor, performer, playwright, director, community arts worker, teacher, journalist, costume designer, prop maker, stage manager, theatre technician, arts administrator.

This course provides a suitable qualification for students who may wish to study
Drama at a higher level, or who wish to follow a wide range of courses including
media, performing arts, or education.