DP Theatre at GESS
At GESS, the Theatre course offers students a dynamic and immersive experience, allowing them to engage in the process of theatre-making as creators, designers, directors, and performers. This course emphasizes the collaborative nature of theatre and encourages students to experiment with various theatrical practices while reflecting on their work. Through the study of different performance traditions, play texts, and theatre theories, students gain a deeper understanding of the role of theatre in society and its power to communicate ideas and emotions.
π Why Study Theatre at GESS?
π Practical Experience β Students are encouraged to actively participate in the creation, presentation, and evaluation of theatrical work. This hands-on approach helps students develop key skills such as creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
π International Perspective β The course explores diverse theatre traditions, performance styles, and play texts from around the world, fostering global-mindedness and intercultural understanding.
π Creative Expression β Theatre at GESS allows students to express themselves creatively, whether through acting, directing, designing, or writing, all while working in collaboration with others.
π Personal Growth β The course promotes self-confidence, discipline, and resilience, as students navigate the challenges of performing and producing live theatre.
π Core Units
The DP Theatre curriculum is organized around four key areas:
Staging Play Texts β Students examine the transformation of play texts into live performances, focusing on design and staging ideas to bring the playwrightβs intentions to life.
Exploring World Theatre Traditions β Analyzing and physically engaging with theatre traditions from various cultures, students explore performance conventions and materials from these traditions.
Collaboratively Creating Original Theatre β Students work together to create and perform an original piece of theatre, applying their theatre-making skills in a collaborative ensemble setting.
Performing Theatre Theory (HL only) β HL students explore the works of key theatre theorists, applying their theories to create and perform a solo theatre piece.
π Assessment
πΈ Internal Assessment (IA) β Students complete a production proposal, which outlines their vision for staging a play text. This task is assessed internally by the teacher.
πΈ Examinations
Paper 1 (SL & HL) β Students present research on a world theatre tradition they have not previously studied, showcasing both their academic and practical exploration.
Paper 2 (SL & HL) β A collaborative project where students work together to create and perform an original piece of theatre.
Paper 3 (HL Only) β A solo theatre piece that demonstrates the application of theatre theory, performed and presented as a live performance.
π Theatre at GESS: HL vs. SL
πΉ Higher Level (HL): HL students engage in more extensive and in-depth exploration of theatre theory, including solo performances and advanced research. They also focus on the relationship between theory and practice.
πΉ Standard Level (SL): SL students focus on key practical skills in theatre-making, including collaborative creation, performance, and the staging of play texts.
At GESS, Theatre encourages students to think critically, work creatively, and develop both technical and performance skills, preparing them for further studies in the arts, media, or other fields that value creativity and collaboration.