Drama and Theatre - A Level
What does the course aim to do?
The course is based on four main study areas:
- The theatre-making process
- Applying theatrical skills in live performance
- Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of how drama is developed and performed
- Analysing and evaluating own performance work and live professional theatre
It encourages experimentation within practical work and offers options for acting or production design. It is suited to students who wish to progress into the Performing Arts industry. This A Level also provides a range of transferrable skills that Universities will recognise when applying for Degrees other than those within the Performing Arts.
What will I be studying?
Component 1: Devising
You will develop creative and exploratory skills to devise an original performance, based on a text extract and style of an influential practitioner.
You will choose to either perform or design for the piece, which will be performed to a live audience before analysing and evaluating the creative process and devised performance.
Component 2: Text in Performance
You will develop and demonstrate theatre-making skills as a performer or designer, focussing on the performance/design of two extracts from two different plays.
One extract will be performed as a monologue or duologue and the second extract will be a group performance from a different text.
Component 3:Theatre Makers in Practice
In this component you will study three areas in preparation for a written exam including:
- A live theatre evaluation.
- A page to stage text exploration of a complete performance text.
- An interpretation of a different complete performance text, in light of one practitioner for a contemporary audience.
How will I be assessed?
Component 1- Internally assessed – 40%
- Written Coursework (Portfolio) and Practical Acting or Design
Component 2 – Externally assessed by visiting examiner – 20%
- Group Performance or Design
- Monologue/Duologue Performance or Design
Component 3 – Written Examination – 40%
- 2 hours 30 minutes written exam based on 2 texts and a piece of live theatre
Am I suited to this subject?
You do not necessarily need to have studied Drama at GCSE or act well; however a willingness to ‘have a go’ is essential. You should enjoy working in groups and possess, above all, an interest in drama and theatre.
Where will it lead in the future?
Theatre Studies is an accepted A Level for many different degree courses. It is of obvious use to anyone contemplating a career in theatre, television or public relations or any career where projecting your personality is important. It is perfectly appropriate to opt for this course as well as BTEC Performing Arts. It also combines well with Music, Music Technology or Dance if you are contemplating a future course or career in Drama. It is also an excellent additional ‘A’ Level to broaden any academic profile.
How will I study?
Even in theory lessons the emphasis is on developing knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre through practical experimentation, discussion and experience. Structured group work predominates. You must be willing to rehearse group work during the lunch hour and at the end of the college day .
What will I need to do myself?
At various stages of the course, personal study will include essays, research projects and rehearsal of practical work.
Why should I come to Canon Slade to study Drama and Theatre?
Drama and Theatre is an exciting course which offers you the opportunity to practically explore and experiment in a number of theatrical styles. To improve the performance skills of students we provide workshops with professional practitioners, and the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular productions both in school and in the local community. Our students move on to university to study a variety of courses at Degree level, some study a theatre related course, whilst others use the high UCAS points gained to enable them to gain access onto other courses.
