More videos and helpful presentation slides about IBDP Theatre can be found below:

Isn't IB Theatre just for people who want to be actors?

• No, IB Theatre encourages the development of skills and understandings in directing, designing, devising and performing. You will need to perform as part of the course but the learning in the course is focused on developing an understanding of how to make theatre. Many trans-disciplinary skills are developed in the course, particularly creativity, collaboration and communication. These are relevant to a diverse range of university degrees and future professions.

What is the difference between SL and HL Theatre?

• All students in in IB Theatre undertake three key areas of study:

  1. Staging play texts

  2. Exploring world theatre traditions

  3. Collaboratively creating original theatre

• HL students only undertake the solo performance as part of the Performing Theatre Theory part of the course.

IB Theatre is a practical course, does that mean it will take up more time than my other subjects?

• The time required for IB Theatre is not more than other IB subjects. However, as much of the content is practical and collaborative in nature, out of class “homework” might involve rehearsing, creating, and collaboratively planning. This is not “more” or “less” - just different.

Is it true that IB Theatre does not have an exam?

• Yes, there is no written exam in IB Theatre. 

• Students undertake one Internal Assessment (IA), the Production Proposal and then either 2 (SL) or 3 (HL) External Assessments (EA). The EAs are:

  1. Collaborative Theatre Project (SL and HL)

  2. World Theatre Traditions Research Presentation (SL and HL)

  3. Solo Theatre Piece (HL only)

If I take IB Theatre in my IB Diploma, does this mean I can't get into a "good" university?

• Quite obviously, the notion of what is a “good” university, depends on what is good for you. However, what most people are referring to here are high profile institutions like Ivy League or Oxbridge.

• UWCSEA IB Theatre students have been accepted to Cambridge, Oxford, Yale, Harvard, Columbia, UPenn, Georgetown, King’s College, UCL, Northwestern, NYU, Princeton and many other excellent colleges around the world.

Can't I just be involved in theatre productions instead of taking IB Theatre?

• There is a very distinct difference between the learning in a production and in the course. If you are passionate about theatre as an art form, you will learn so much more about yourself as a theatre-maker in IB Theatre. Also, it is always worth remembering that auditions for theatre productions attract far more people than can be accommodated. Unfortunately you may not be able to secure a role which is often disappointing for students who had planned to be involved as a way to continue their participation in theatre.