Drama & Theatre Studies
GCE Advanced Level AS/A2
Course Content
Live Theatre Production Seen and Prescribed Play
Candidate's personal response to live theatre seen during the course.
Interpretation of a set play from a performance perspective.
Presentation of an Extract from a play
Performance by a group of an extract from a published play, including assessed preparation and supporting notes.
Further Prescribed Plays Including Pre-Twentieth Century
Study of a further two set plays, one of which is pre-twentieth century.
Presentation of Devised Drama
Performance by a group of a piece of Drama devised wholly by the students. Will include assessment of preparation, research into a particular acting style, and supporting notes.
How it is Taught
Through practical activities, independent research, and written work, guided by their teacher, students explore set plays and the ideas and work of theatre practitioners to develop an understanding of how theatre is produced. This understanding is assessed through performance (40%) and written examinations (60%).
Frequent theatre visits are arranged so that students can relate their own study to professional performance.
The focus throughout the Theatre Studies course is on the elements (directing, acting, design, technical resources) that contribute to theatrical performance.
Examination Details
| Module 1 | Live Theatre and Set Play | Exam 1 hour 30 mins | 1st Year June |
| Module 2 | Play in Production | Performance | 1st Year March/April |
| Module 3 | Two Set Plays | Exam 2 hours | 2nd Year January |
| Module 4 | Devised Drama | Performance | 2nd Year May |
Entry Requirements
Students must have at least a GCSE grade C in English.
Students should also meet the general college entry requirements for advanced level study. Please see the current Prospectus- Advanced Programmes, entry requirements.
Experience of Drama at GCSE is not a requirement but can be useful early in the course
Useful/Common Subject Combinations
Theatre Studies can be taken in combination with any other subject. English Literature and Art & Design complement students' work usefully. (Students committed to practical drama often also take Performance Studies).
Careers and HE Information
Theatre Studies is not purely an acting course. Many students go on to prestigious acting courses, but there are many progression routes through university that lead towards careers in the media, education, arts administration and technical specialisms. Employers, generally, like the confidence the subject gives.