Philosophy - Why should I study Theatre?

DP Theatre is multifaceted, and caters to students who enjoy different aspects of theatre making. It gives students the opportunity to make theatre as creators, designers, directors and performers, and it emphasizes the importance of working both individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. Most importantly, it offers the opportunity to engage actively in the creative process, transforming ideas into action as inquisitive and productive artists.

The Theatre course emphasizes the importance of working individually and as a member of an ensemble. Students are encouraged to develop the organizational and technical skills needed to express themselves creatively in theatre. A further challenge for students following this course is for them to become aware of their own perspectives and biases and to learn to respect those of others. This requires a willingness to understand alternative views, to respect and appreciate cultural diversity, and to see the varied role that theatre plays in reflecting these. As a result, the Theatre course can become a way for students to celebrate the international and intercultural dynamic that inspires and sustains some forms of contemporary theatre, while appreciating the specifically local origins that have always given rise to performance, and which, in many parts of the world, still do.

Course Content - What will I be studying?

Students will investigate the core syllabus areas from the perspectives of creator, designer, director, performer and spectator through: creating theatre based on theatre theory; working with play texts; examining world theatre traditions and performance practices; collaboratively creating original theatre. Students will also explore theatre in a variety of contexts and understand how these contexts inform practice (theatre in context). They will understand and engage in the processes of transforming ideas into action (theatre processes), develop and apply theatre production, presentation and performance skills, working both independently and collaboratively (presenting theatre), and understand and appreciate the relationship between theory and practice (theatre in context, theatre processes, presenting theatre).

Students are expected to come to understand theatre in the real-world context in which it was created. They will develop skills of collaboration, research, experimentation, analysis and synthesis. They communicate their learning through action, staging, project planning, workshops, presentations, physical demonstrations, oral, visual and written expression.

Assessment - How will I be assessed?

Prerequisites - What do I need to know before choosing Theatre?

For students wishing to study Theatre, it would be useful if they had completed an Arts course at MYP or an equivalent educational level. However, students who have only ever enjoyed Theatre outside school are very welcome to join the course, or to discuss the possibility of doing so with our Theatre teacher.

What will allow me to be successful?

Embrace the challenge: success in this class hinges on your willingness to practically engage with unfamiliar material.

Be comfortable with uncertainty: this course is about discovering your own understanding and developing your unique voice. There is no right way to do things. You need to trust that you will find your answer.

Trust your peers: this class will help you develop collaborative skills, but will also require a lot of independent thought and action.

Failure is good: Art is a process. We only learn when we make mistakes. In fact, some of the most compelling performances come from mistakes. In the words of Yoda, ‘Do or do not. There is no try.'

What can I do with Theatre in the future?

It should be noted that the IB Diploma Programme Theatre course is not only for those who plan to go into theatre professionally. While undertaking DP Theatre is excellent preparation for further studies in performance, it also equips students with many of the soft skills sought by 21st Century employers. In addition to learning the vital expressive and communication skills needed in today’s global economy, skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and creative problem solving are also integral to the course.

The study of Theatre lends itself to a multitude of career pathways across different disciplines. Students may pursue performing arts at a higher level; go on to study medicine or veterinary science; pursue Bachelor of Arts courses, including Literature and History; study business, law and journalism. In short, wherever a career path requires human interaction and intra-personal skills are required, these are fields in which Theatre students flourish.