Drama and Theatre Studies

The Media is one of the largest employers in this country offering job opportunities across a wide spectrum of performance related career paths. The skills developed through studying Drama and Theatre Studies are also highly valued by universities and employers as the transferable skills learnt enable students to become successful communicators in both practical and academic fields.

Students practically explore the work of a number of influential directors, theatre companies and other practitioners who have made a significant contribution to theatre practice and apply this understanding to their performance work. Students also study published plays through a variety of practical and theoretical activities, in relation to the ways in which texts can be interpreted through performance. Students look at a range of pre-twentieth century and contemporary plays and are required to understand how each play relates to its historical, social and cultural context. WHAT WILL I LEARN? The Drama and Theatre Studies course is split into the following three components: Component 1: Drama and Theatre Open book exam - 40% of A Level This unit develops student's knowledge and understanding of two plays and the work of live theatre makers.

Practical and coursework 30% of A Level In this unit, students will study the work of companies and practitioners who create their own theatre. They will develop their understanding of the devising process and create a performance based on the methodologies of their chosen practitioner along with a working notebook. Component 3: Making Theatre Practical and coursework 30% of A Level In this final unit, students will practically explore and interpret 3 extracts from a range of plays, applying the methodologies of different theatre makers to each. The performance of all three extracts is also accompanied by a reflective report, analysing and evaluating their theatrical interpretations. HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Students will be assessed through practical performance work and coursework which is moderated and marked by an external examiner. Students will also complete a written examination at the end of the course.

Successful students often go on to study Theatre Studies, Theatre Arts, Acting or Performance Studies at university or Drama school as well as going on to study non-related subjects at degree level. Recent research has shown that Drama appeared high on the list of popular subjects at a range of Russell Group universities1. Direct entry to the Performing Arts industry is also possible in a wide range of roles from Acting and Stage Management through to Arts Administration. The creative industries are currently one of the fastest growing industries in the UK. Employers in all sectors value the inherent skills of performing, recognising that they promote commitment, confidence, team work and assertiveness amongst other generic employment skills.