Drama and Theatre Studies (AS/A level)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in English Language.

About the Subject

This course demands practical, creative and communication skills in almost equal measure. You will extend your ability to create drama and theatre, either in a performing or production role. You will also be required to write about drama and develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic.

Course Content

Year 1

Unit 1: Exploration of Drama and Theatre 40% of AS

In this unit you will be introduced to at least two plays, by one or more playwrights. Your tutor will explore the two plays with you through a series of practical workshops. You will be assessed on both your practical work and notes that you keep about what you have learnt about the two plays.

Students are also required to experience a live theatre performance and submit a written evaluation.

Unit 2: Theatre Text in Performance 60% of AS

In this unit you get the chance to demonstrate your skills in a performance environment. The knowledge and understanding gained during the study of two plays in Unit 1 can now be applied with a view to delivering a performance to an audience. This unit is externally assessed. The first section requires you to offer a monologue or duologue. The second section requires you to contribute to a performance of a professionally published play by a known writer. You may offer either acting or a design form and must also provide a concept of the interpretation of their chosen roles or designs.

Year 2

Unit 3: Exploration of Dramatic Performance 40% of A2

This unit requires you to create a unique and original piece of theatre. The knowledge and understanding gained at AS can now be applied to a devised production. You will be assessed on both the process of creation and the finished product in the form of a performance to an invited audience. You will be internally assessed on the research and development of your work as well as the final performance. Written evidence will be required reflecting the research and development work as well as video/DVD evidence of your practical work

Unit 4: Theatre Text in Context 60% of A2

This externally examined written unit requires the detailed study of one set play text and one prescribed historical period of theatrical development. The unit takes the form of a 2 hour 30 minute written paper in three sections.

Sections A and B require you to explore one play from the point of view of a director in both an academic and practical way.

In section C you will watch a live performance of a play from a specific period in theatre history and you will evaluate and compare that with the original performance conditions.

Assessment