Theatre

This course allows for collaborative, as well as independent, approaches to exploring the world of theatre.  Practical workshops, inquiry led learning and experimenting are at the heart of the course.     Caroline Latter 2020

Theatre is a dynamic, collaborative and live art form. It is a practical subject that encourages discovery through experimentation, the taking of risks and the presentation of ideas to others. It results in the development of both theatre and life skills: the building of confidence, creativity and working collaboratively. 

The IB Theatre Diploma is a multifaceted theatre-making course of study. It gives students the opportunity to make theatre as creators, designers, directors and performers. It offers the opportunity to engage actively in the creative process, transforming ideas into action as inquisitive and productive artists.

Throughout the two year course, students can expect to be immersed in a range of theatre events, including ISTA TAPS workshops, theatre trips or visits, workshops with professionals and, of course, any extra curricular productions they can be involved in. Students are required to reflect on their own development in theatre via continual self-evaluation and reflection, documented and recorded in their theatre journals.  

There is a focus on three distinct core areas: Theatre in Context, where students examine the personal, theoretical and cultural contexts that inform theatre-making on both a personal level and in a range of world theatre practices; Theatre Processes, where students explore the skills, techniques and processes involved in theatre-making; and Presenting Theatre, which gives students the opportunity to stage and present theatre practically, as well as present ideas, research and discoveries in writing. 

We will learn about theorists and will explore theatre in context.  They will practically explore the approaches that different theatre companies use and create a collaborative piece of theatre. There will be a unit researching a tradition from a different part of the world, together with a research presentation on an area of theatre.  Workshops on directing and devising will also prepare the students for the assessment work. This will result in a production proposal of an individually chosen play. Each unit of work involves either research or an extensive written portfolio.

The HL and SL IB Theatre student is assessed via four components:

• Production Proposal (SL and HL). Externally assessed. Students choose a published play they have not studied and develop ideas regarding how it could be staged for an audience. SL = 35% // HL = 20%

• Research Presentation (SL and HL). Externally assessed. Students plan and deliver a 15 minute presentation to their peers in which they outline and physically demonstrate their research into a convention of theatre they have not previously studied. SL = 30% // HL = 20%

• Solo Theatre Piece (HL only). Externally assessed. Students research a theatre theorist they have not studied, select an aspect of their theory, and create and present a solo piece (4- 8 minutes) based on this aspect. A portfolio is written alongside the practical work. HL = 35%

• Collaborative Project (HL and SL). Internally assessed. Students collaboratively create and present an original piece of theatre lasting 13- 15 minutes from a starting point of their choice. A portfolio is written alongside the practical work. SL = 35% // HL = 25%

Internal Assessment/Coursework: The internal assessment will take place between May of year 12 and April of Year 13, as will the practical elements of the external assessments.

IB Theatre provides a relevant learning opportunity for a diverse range of students, as it lays an appropriate foundation for further study in theatre, performing arts and other related subjects. In addition, by instilling discipline, and refining communication and group-work skills, it offers a valuable course of skills which can be transferred to an array of employment fields. The Theatre course develops outstanding communication skills, empathy, creativity and curiosity. The profound impact on the students, from working in such a collaborative, open, way is somewhat unmeasurable but absolutely priceless.