AS/A2 Drama and Theatre Studies

What do I need to have studied/have knowledge of?

You should have a GCSE in Drama or equivalent, Grade 6 or above or have proven interest and/or experience in drama and theatre.  You will need a grade 4 in English.

What will I learn on this course?

You will develop your own talents and be involved in various performances and workshops, and have an understanding of what an actor, director or designer does, and how plays move from page to stage.  You will work on a selection of popular plays, as well as exploring some of the key theories of practitioners, whose work forms the basis of most Drama School Training.  You will also get to see plenty of live performances, and have the opportunity to write, devise and perform your own plays.

You will get involved in all aspects of theatre, and by the end of the course you should have developed skills, in acting, directing, designing and technical achievement.  You will also acquire knowledge of theatrical influences, conventions and styles, a variety of performing skills, and be able to make critical responses to what you see and hear in live theatre.

What key skills will I develop?

Advanced GCE in Drama and Theatres Studies aims to extend the knowledge, skills and understanding acquired at GCSCE and then enables students to apply what they have gained in their own creative work.

In devising theatre, students alternate roles between being playwright, designer and director and apply their knowledge of different theatre forms and structures to the creation of their own work.  In performing theatre, students are required to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding within the structure of a director’s interpretation of a play and to operate at a highly intellectual level as well as at a highly skilled practical level.

The course provides students with many transferable skills that are desirable in many different careers.  These include team work, problem solving and the ability to work in creative but challenging situations.

How will I be assessed?

Advanced GCE in Drama and Theatres Studies aims to extend the knowledge, skills and understanding acquired at GCSE and then enables students to apply what they have gained in their own creative work.

In devising theatre, students alternate roles between being playwright, designer and director and apply their knowledge of different theatre forms and structures to the creation of their own work.  In performing theatre, students are required to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding within the structure of a director’s interpretation of a play and to operate at a highly intellectual level as well as at a highly skilled practical level.

Component one (40% of the qualification).Devising.
Students are asked to devise an original piece. An extract from a performance text and one practitioner should be used.

The work is internally assessed and externally moderated.

There are two parts to the assessment, a portfolio between 2500 and 3000 words or recorded verbal evidence between 12/14 minutes long or a combination of written 1250 and 1500 words and recorded verbal evidence between 6/7 minutes. The second part is the devised realisation.

Component two (20 % of the qualification) Text in Performance.
This involves a group performance/ design realisation of one published extract.

A monologue or duologue performance /design realisation from one key extract.

This is externally assessed by a visiting examiner.

Component three (40% of the qualification) Theatre Makers in Practise.  Written examination 2hours and thirty minutes.
This involves a live theatre review.

A practical exploration and study of a published play, focussing on how it can be realised for performance.

A practical exploration of another play from a chosen practitioner and how it could be reimagined from a contemporary audience.

What could this course lead to?

Drama gives you many other skills that are desirable to universities and employers: leadership, the ability to collaborate with others, a creative mind and an active body.  It will provide you with many transferable skills that are desirable in many different careers.

Additional events, trips or enrichment activities

There will be opportunities to see live performances and be involved in workshops with other practitioners.

Some students are already working on attaining Silver Arts awards.  The Gold Arts award is something which can be worked alongside student’s A level and is a highly prestigious award which recognises the creative potential of students.

Are there any additional costs for this course?

There will be costs associated with any trips to see performances.

Who do I contact if I have any further questions?

Miss H Birkbeck – hbirkbeck@commonweal.co.uk

Curriculum Maps

Drama - Curriculum Map

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