Why study Drama and Theatre?
Studying Drama and Theatre at A Level helps students to pursue their interests and skills in a range of practical drama elements including acting, directing, costume, set lighting and sound design. Students will develop an appreciation and understanding of the social, cultural and historical influences of theatre and will experience a range of opportunities to develop a variety of dramatic and theatrical skills.
The course develops excellent communication skills, creativity and invention, the ability to think independently, analytical skills, team building and people skills; all qualities valued highly by employers and Higher Education providers. The skills students will build working in groups are transferable to any industry.
A Level Drama and Theatre is useful for students considering range of courses at degree level subjects including law, PPE, English language and literature, journalism, dance, music, art and design, and media studies. Career opportunities are not limited to arts based jobs but include; Arts/Theatre Administration, Arts Journalism, Director, Actor, Designer, Playwright, Stage Management, Theatre Management, Theatrical Agent, Technician, Broadcasting, Media Presenting, Education, Drama Therapy and Scriptwriting.
Areas of Study
The A Level course encourages students to study a range of styles of theatre from across the last 500 years. Throughout the course students will be taken to see theatre productions and encouraged to attend the theatre.
- Study of modern theatre practitioners. Performance of pool (no water) by Mark Ravenhill using two practitioners as a starting point. Completion of research report.
- Study of two plays, Frankenstein by Nick Dear and Othello by William Shakespeare. Performance of extracts from both plays.
- Creation of devised piece of theatre and portfolio.
- Performance of devised theatre and study of third play, The Crucible by Arthur Miller.
- Study and performance of scripted piece.
Entry Guidelines
In addition to the Sixth Form entry criteria, students wishing to study this subject are required to have a grade 6 in Drama at GCSE, or evidence of a commitment in Drama, plus a good pass in English Language or English Literature at GCSE (or equivalent).