Drama and Theatre Studies
Do you like to visit the theatre? Have you taken part in a production on stage or behind the scenes? Are you interested in learning about the theatrical process? Can you commit yourself fully to the demands of academic study both in and out of College? Can you work creatively on your own and work as part of a team? If you can answer ‘yes’ to most of these questions this course may be right for you.
WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
Drama and Theatre will develop your creative and critical theatre skills whilst deepening your knowledge and understanding of drama. You will improve your communication skills through academic analysis and improve your creative and practical skills through performance.
AS units will cover:
· Exploration of Drama and Theatre - you will explore two texts in a practical and analytical way and discover the ways in which playwrights use drama to communicate meaning to a wide range of audiences. In addition to this you will study the work of a leading theatre practitioner and a play we have seen in performance.
· Theatre Text in Performance - first of all you will be cast in a production of a play and will be rehearsed towards a public examination performance. Alternatively you could take on a design or technical role. In addition to this you will choose a monologue or duologue from a different text and prepare this towards an examined public performance.
A2 units will cover:
· Exploration of Dramatic Performance - in this unit you will record the process and development of creating a piece of original, devised drama which you will eventually perform in front of a live audience. You will also be required to complete an evaluation of both the process and performance of the work.
· Theatre Text in Context - you will respond to a question as a director of a set text prescribed by the exam board. In addition to this, you will be examined on your knowledge of theatre history having viewed a professional performance.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
In a typical lesson you might be working practically on a small scene to develop certain performance skills. Later on you could be cast in a larger group, being rehearsed towards a performance. As a designer you could be planning the lighting, sound or set design. Alternatively, you might be working on a critical appreciation of a text, or you might be discussing a play you have seen performed.
HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
Through a combination of examinations, coursework and practical assessments.
In a typical lesson you might be working practically on a small scene to develop certain performance skills. Later on you could be cast in a larger group, being rehearsed towards a performance. As a designer you could be planning the lighting, sound or set design. Alternatively, you might be working on a critical appreciation of a text, or you might be discussing a play you have seen performed.
HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
Through a combination of examinations, coursework and practical assessments.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE THE COURSE?
You should have at least a grade C in English Language or English Literature. If you have previous experience of drama or followed a GCSE course in Drama, this could be to your advantage but it is not essential. More than this, you should enjoy working individually and in groups; whilst a commitment to rehearsal both individually and as part of a small group, sometimes out of College hours is essential.
You should have at least a grade C in English Language or English Literature. If you have previous experience of drama or followed a GCSE course in Drama, this could be to your advantage but it is not essential. More than this, you should enjoy working individually and in groups; whilst a commitment to rehearsal both individually and as part of a small group, sometimes out of College hours is essential.
WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH DRAMA AND THEATRE?
Drama and Theatre combines well with a range of Arts and humanities subjects, particularly History, Art, Media Studies, Film Studies and English Literature or Language.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
Although the course is not primarily intended as a preparation for Drama School, it could be helpful to anyone with such an ambition. Universities and other centres of Higher Education welcome it as an entrance qualification for a wide range of courses. In addition, it is likely
Drama and Theatre combines well with a range of Arts and humanities subjects, particularly History, Art, Media Studies, Film Studies and English Literature or Language.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
Although the course is not primarily intended as a preparation for Drama School, it could be helpful to anyone with such an ambition. Universities and other centres of Higher Education welcome it as an entrance qualification for a wide range of courses. In addition, it is likely
that you will have developed qualities of communication and teamwork which are highly valued by employers.
View the Drama and Theatre Studies page on the Edexcel Website.
View the Drama and Theatre Studies page on the Edexcel Website.
