Drama and Theatre

Course Description

What makes a performance memorable, and how do actors, directors and designers bring stories to life on stage? A Level Drama and Theatre gives you the opportunity to explore theatre through practical performance, creative collaboration and the study of influential plays and practitioners.

Throughout the course, you'll develop your acting, performance and analytical skills while exploring a range of theatrical styles and techniques. You'll create and perform original work, interpret published plays and learn how theatre reflects society, culture and human experiences. The course combines practical performance with written analysis, helping you develop both your creativity and critical thinking.
A Level Drama and Theatre is an excellent choice if you enjoy performing, working with others and expressing ideas creatively. It combines well with subjects such as English Literature, Psychology, Media Studies and History.

Ideal for students who are:

Creative and imaginative
Interested in theatre, performance and storytelling
Enjoy working as part of a team
Keen to develop confidence, communication and performance skills

Course Content

What will I learn?

Acting and Performance
Develop your acting skills through rehearsals and live performances, exploring a range of theatrical styles and techniques.

Studying Plays
Read, analyse and discuss a variety of plays, exploring themes, characters, staging and performance choices.

Creating Original Theatre
Work with others to devise your own performance from a stimulus, developing ideas from the first concept through to a finished production.

Exploring Theatre Practitioners
Learn about influential theatre makers and how their ideas have shaped modern performance.

Performance and Production Skills
Understand how lighting, sound, set, costume and staging contribute to a successful production.

Live Theatre Evaluation
Watch professional theatre productions and evaluate how directors, actors and designers create meaning for an audience.

Creative Collaboration
Develop teamwork, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills through practical theatre work.

Skills Gained

What you'll gain?

Performance and presentation skills
Confidence in public speaking and communication
Creative thinking and collaboration skills
The ability to analyse and interpret dramatic texts and performances

Pathways

A Level Drama and Theatre can lead to degrees and careers in Acting, Theatre, Creative Arts, Teaching, Arts Management, Broadcasting and many other industries where communication and confidence are valued.

Assessment Method

40% Written Exam | 60% Practical Coursework

Devising Project (40%): Create and perform your own original piece of theatre.
Performance from Text (20%): Perform extracts from a published play.
Written Exam (40%): Analyse plays and evaluate live theatre performances.

Subject Enrichments

Year 1 Showcase
Annual Trip to New York
Trips throughout the Academic year to different theatres including the Royal Exchange, Lowry and Home Manchester.
Sessions with professional directors and actors.
Trips to LIPA, Workshops hosted by LIPA and theatre companies.
Networking events, sessions with alumni and performance events within the community.