DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES
A LEVEL
Course Overview
The course explores drama and theatre studies as a practical, intellectual and artistic subject. Students’ creativity and understanding are developed through the active study of major play texts enhanced through practical drama exploration.
In the first year of the course the students are introduced to two play texts: one theatre performance and one ‘set’ text. The pupils are encouraged to consider the fundamentals of drama study including plotting, character, meaning and context. Later in the first year the pupils will engage in a practical exploration of two modern play extracts leading to an assessed performance of one piece. The students also have to compete a portfolio of evidence including analysis and evaluation of the process.
In the second year students take the lead in the course and become theatre practitioners. The first study challenges the group to devise their own piece of unique drama, based on a stimulus introduced by the teacher. The students go on to adapt and perform play scenes, selected and directed by themselves.
Finally towards the end of the A-level the students will undertake a practical exploration of three key play extracts with a final performance assessed by an external examiner. Accompanying all practical work in Year 13 students must complete reflective reports on the development of their performance pieces.
Target Audience
It would be advantageous if the applicant has studied Drama to GCSE as the two courses are designed to ensure a progression in student skills. A student needs to be prepared to perform in front of an audience at some point throughout the one/two years of the course. Additionally, they will be expected to attend live theatre productions as a critical aspect of textual analysis. In both years there are options for performance support candidates who may be interested in developing their skills as directors or technicians.
Year 12 Units
Year 13 Units
How to
devise drama
'Piranesi'
An Example of A-level Devised Drama
Piranesi part 1.MP4
Student testimonials
Year 13 Students
Discuss the A-level
Year 13 Students
Discuss the A-level
gallery
Higher Education Progression Routes
unversity
Degree Courses in Drama, Theatre, Directing, Stage Management, Performance and creative writing.
drama school
Degree Courses in Drama, Theatre, Directing and Stage Management
Drama School will specialise in preparation for entering the acting/directing/stage management as a profession.
Future Careers
ACTOR
Stage and Screen Actor
DIRECTOR
Stage and Screen Director
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Lighting
Stage Management
Sound Engineer
Student Destinations
Emerson Guildford School of Acting
Stage Management
Ethan Bath Spa University
Acting Course
Michael Guildford School of Acting
Acting Course
Georgia Mountview Drama School
Acting Course
Nancy Central School of Speech and Drama
Acting course