Theatre 

Theatre is a dynamic, collaborative and live art form. It is a practical subject that encourages discovery through experimentation, the taking of risks and the presentation of ideas to others. It results in the development of both theatre and life skills; the building of confidence, creativity and working collaboratively. 

Grade 11

Collaboratively Creating Original Theatre

This area of the syllabus addresses the collaborative development and performance of original theatre as part of an ensemble of theatremakers. Students formulate intentions for theatre-making and examine the ways in which these intentions can be effectively realised through the collaborative creation of original performance work inspired by a starting point.

Exploring World Theatre Traditions 

This area of the syllabus addresses the authentic exploration of world theatre traditions through academic and practical research and exploration. Students inquire into and physically explore world theatre traditions, performance conventions and performance material from those traditions in order to acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the traditions through the body and/or voice.

Staging Play Texts – Class Theatre Production 

This area of the syllabus addresses the transformation of play texts into action. Students examine the ways in which ideas are articulated in texts by playwrights and the ways in which performance and production elements can be used to effectively fulfill theatre-maker intentions. Students develop skills in directing, acting and design through this student-led and directed production that is staged as part of the Campus’ theatre programme in the Black Box Theatre.

Performing Theatre Theory 

This area of the syllabus addresses the exploration of aspects of theatre theory and the ways in which theory can inform performance. Students research at least one theatre theorist, identify an aspect of their theory and apply this to create and present theatre work that demonstrates this aspect of theory in performance.

Grade 12

Collaborative Theatre Project

In small groups, students create an original piece of theatre to be presented to a wider audience. In this task they utilise and extend theatre devising skills acquired in previous units of study. This performance is assessed as part of the students IBDP Theatre coursework.

Research Presentation

Students create a presentation that communicates the process of developing an understanding of and respect for a chosen world theatre tradition. They perform aspects of the tradition and reflect on their own learning in the presentation. This presentation is assessed as part of the students IBDP Theatre coursework.

Production Proposal

Students select a play text to interpret in this theoretical task. They draw upon skills in acting, directing, and design to communicate their interpretation of this play. This notebook is assessed as part of the students IBDP Theatre coursework.

Solo Theatre Piece

Higher Level students explore a chosen theatre theorist through workshops, master classes and performances. As a result of their exploration, they develop a solo performance which is shared with a public audience. This performance is assessed as part of the students IBDP Theatre coursework.

SL external assessment – 70% 

• collaborative theatre project – 40% 

  • • students at SL and HL collaboratively create and perform an original piece of theatre (lasting 7–10 minutes) created from a starting point of their choice; the piece is presented to an audience as a fully-realised production 

• research presentation – 30%

  • • students at SL and HL plan, deliver and video record an individual research presentation (15 minutes maximum) in which they provide evidence of their academic and practical exploration and learning of a world theatre tradition they have not previously studied

SL internal assessment – 30% 

• production proposal

  • • students at SL and HL choose a published play text they have not previously studied and formulate a vision for the design and theoretical staging of the entire play text for a contemporary audience; these ideas are presented in the form of a proposal which is submitted for internal assessment and IBO moderation.

HL external assessment – 80% 

• collaborative theatre project – 25% 

  • • students at SL and HL collaboratively create and perform an original piece of theatre (lasting 7–10 minutes) created from a starting point of their choice; the piece is presented to an audience as a fully-realised production. Students submit a project report and a video recording of the final piece to the IBO for assessment.

• solo theatre piece – 35%

  • • students at HL research a theatre theorist they have not previously studied, identify an aspect(s) of theory and create and present a solo theatre piece (4–7 minutes) that demonstrates the practical application of this theory to a theatre piece for an audience. Students submit a report and video recording of the final performance to the IBO for assessment. 

• research presentation – 20%

  • • students at SL and HL plan, deliver and video record an individual research presentation (15 minutes maximum) in which they provide evidence of their academic and practical exploration and learning of a world theatre tradition they have not previously studied. Students submit a video recording of the final presentation to the IBO for assessment.

HL internal assessment – 20% 

• production proposal: 

  • students at SL and HL choose a published play text they have not previously studied and formulate a vision for the design and theoretical staging of the entire play text for a contemporary audience; these ideas are presented in the form of a proposal.

There is no culminating examination in IBDP Theatre.