Welcome to Drama

Congratulations on opting for the exciting and practical challenges of A Level Drama and Theatre.  Students are encourage to explore and develop their skills in performing, directing, designing and evaluating live theatre. 

Theatre Studies

Suggested Activities:

Task 1: Research & Contrast

• Suggested Time: 1.30 Hour

• Focus: Social, Historical, and Cultural Context

As an A Level student, you can no longer view a play in isolation. You must understand the world in which it was written. We study Antigone a Greek Tragedy written by Sophocles and Yerma written by Lorca as part of a rural trilogy. 

•  Research the concept of the Ancient Greek Chorus in Antigone and the civic/religious role of theatre in 5th-century BCE Athens. Write down 3 key rules or expectations placed on women in ancient Greek society.

•  Research 1930s rural Spain and the concept of "Honor" (honra) during Lorca's time. Write down 3 key expectations placed on married women in Catholic, rural Spain during this era.

• Create a comparative bulleted list or Venn diagram highlighting how both Antigone and Yerma are trapped by the societal rules of their respective time periods.

Task 2: Terminology

• Suggested Time: 0.30 Hour

• Focus: Theatre language and terminology

You will need to log on to this website  https://edu.digitaltheatreplus.com/   

Using the email  student@LesVarendes.sch.gg

Password: greatcheetah98

Find the glossary of theatrical terminology, read through and list any new words you learnt ( there will be at least 5 and could be way more - stop at 15)

https://edu.digitaltheatreplus.com/content/guides/a-glossary-of-theatrical-terminology

Task 3: Elevator Pitch

• Suggested Time: 0.30 Hour

• Focus:  Ability to form an opinion

Think about your favourite actor.  Be prepared to give an elevator pitch (approximately 30 sec to 1 min long) on why they are the best actor.  

Suggested listening

• The WhatsOnStage Podcast: Hosted by Sarah Crompton and Alex Wood, this weekly podcast breaks down the latest West End news and features long-form interviews with major stage stars.

• The Stage Podcast: Produced by the UK's leading performing arts newspaper, this series tackles industry trends, backstage secrets, and broader discussions on the state of British theatre. 

• British Theatre Guide Podcast: Provides reviews, features, and interviews with UK theatre makers, encompassing both regional touring productions and West End shows. 

• The Royal Court's Playwrights Podcast: Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens hosts intimate and revealing discussions with leading playwrights from around the world about the craft of writing. 

• The Show People Podcast: Hosted by director Andrew Keates, this monthly, live-recorded podcast welcomes famous UK theatre-makers to explore their careers and the performing arts industry. 

• The National Theatre Podcast: Delves into the artists and ideas behind landmark productions, connecting theatre to wider societal and political issues. 

• The Delfont Mackintosh Podcast: Focuses on shows occupying major West End stages, featuring interviews with actors, directors, and essential backstage staff. 

• MusicalTalk: One of the UK's oldest independent musical theatre podcasts, offering in-depth commentary, news, and reviews on the latest musical productions.