Drama and Theatre Studies

DRAMA and THEATRE STUDIES
AS and A2 LEVEL

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Five A*-Cs.  A ‘B’ grade at GCSE Drama would be an advantage, a ‘C’ at GCSE English essential.

WHAT WILL I LEARN ON THIS COURSE?

The 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 to develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic.  The course will involve taking part in drama productions, as well as studying plays and playwrights

ASSIGNMENTS

Homework will vary throughout the course but will move from the critical/theoretical (ie study or rehearsal techniques, set plays and plays in performance) to the creative/practical (project work for assessment), at which time candidates will be expected to plan their own schedule for study more independently.

CONTENTS

AS:

Unit 1   Exploration of drama and theatre       15%

In this unit you will be introduced to at least two plays, by one or more playwrights.  You may also look at the work of some famous theatre directors or theatre companies.  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.

Unit 2   Text in performance – I           20%

In this unit you will perform a role in a production of a play.  In preparation for this unit you will take part in workshops that will help you to develop your performance or design skills.  The exam for this unit takes the form of a practical test.

Unit 3   Text in context – I        15%

In the exam for this unit, you will answer one question asking you to discuss aspects of the play you performed for Unit 2, and to evaluate the way in which your interpretation as an actor or designer communicated the playwright’s intentions to an audience.  You will also answer a second question using your notes taken during a theatre visit to show your understanding and appreciation of “live” theatre.  The examination lasts for two hours.

A2: Advanced GCE

Unit 4   Devising           20%

For this unit, you will work in a group of between three and twelve students to devise an original piece of drama for presentation to an audience.

Unit 5   Text in Performance – II          15%

This unit focuses on the in-depth study of one further play studied from the point of view of a director, designer or performer.

Unit 6   Text in Context – II      15%

This unit requires the study of a further two plays.  In Section A you  will study one play from a choice of two from the point of view of a director and you will be required to develop and shape your ideas for a fully thought through production.

In Section B you are required to study and research the production history of a play written and performed between 1575 and 1720 and to evaluate the ways in which directors, designers and performers have used the medium of drama to interpret the chosen play.

What could I go on to do at the end of my course?

This AS and Advanced GCE can lead to further study in Drama, Theatre Studies and Performing Arts in Higher Education at degree or HND level.  It can be used as part of your course to broaden your studies and may lead on to a career in the performing arts industries.

Drama and Theatre Studies AS and Advanced GCE complements a range of subjects and is useful in building confidence and improving presentation skills in a range of careers.

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE

Contact: Mrs Proctor