Course Layout

• Text in Context and Theatre Production: Written Paper (40%)

• Performance Analysis

• Performance Exam (60%)

Course Details

Candidates work together to explore stimuli and ideas as well as styles of theatre. They then devise and perform an original piece of theatre for an invited audience.

Preparation for the written paper (40% of overall course):

Text in Context (20 marks)

Candidates study “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller with in depth analysis of themes/issues, historical and social influences. Both practical and theoretical teaching and learning methods are used. Candidates will decide on their own interpretation of this play demonstrating ways in which they would communicate their concepts through directing, acting and technical theatre design. Essays demonstrate their understanding of these areas.

Theatre Production – Application (10 marks)Candidates base their answers to this essay on their individual interpretations of “The Crucible” and how this would be communicated in a production. They are asked structured questions on their understanding of and application of two production roles for their production.

Performance Analysis (20 marks)

Candidates watch live performances and produce a written analysis on given aspects of the performance.

Performance Exam (50 marks – 60% of overall course)

Candidates choose a production role and demonstrate their skills to an external examiner. If acting they act in two extracts and if designing, they must design the set and one other production role for any full-length play. They produce a detailed and in-depth presentation for the examiner.

Please click on the left-hand image for further information regarding Higher Drama.