Course Overview

This exciting and inspiring Drama and Theatre A Level, will prepare you for further study at degree level, a career, or an apprenticeship in the industry. You will have the opportunity to perform with your peers in a variety of genres and show your participation in the creation, development and performance of three pieces of theatre for your final assessment.

Throughout the programme, you will study a variety of theatre practitioners and performance techniques, develop a range of theatre making skills and develop an understanding and appreciation of how social, cultural and historical context of performance texts have influenced the development of drama and theatre.

You will perform both devised and scripted works, as well as study separate play-texts as part of your final written examination. You also have access to The McMillan Theatre, which isour state-of-the-art 350-seat theatre and performing arts centre.

This subject promotes and encourages a variety of skills that can be used across any discipline, including presentation skills, communicating effectively with confidence, working with others and creative thinking/problem solving. It contributes to prospects in any creative role due to its inclusion of how to appreciate artistic interpretation.

Trips to live theatre events are integral to this subject as it is essential for you to analyse live theatre as part of your exam.

Topics may include:

• Theatre Workshop: the creation, development and performance of a piece of theatre based on a reinterpretation of an extract from a text
• Text in Action: the creation, development and performance of two pieces of theatre based on a stimulus
• Text in Performance: an analytical study of three play texts studied during the two years.

Additional Costs: A compulsory trip fee is collected when you enrol and there are additional costs if you take part in residential trips. These can be purchased/paid for via the College online store.

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed through performance and written examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds.

Your final A Level exam will be made up of two/three exam papers covering the entire programme at the end of your second year.

The practical pieces will be supported by coursework to record and evaluate both process and performance.

Progression Options

Many students go on to study acting and theatre at university or drama school. Previously students have gone on to study at East 15, Drama Centre, LIPA, Italia Conti and many of the UK’s top universities.