DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES
What does the course involve?
Drama offers a range of opportunities to develop practical ensemble skills. It develops knowledge and
understanding of major influences in theatre and promotes personal and social development. Students
study plays and theatre practitioners through practical workshops. They write about drama, developing
their powers of analysis and evaluation of performance and the technical aspects of theatre.
What qualifications do I need?
This course is suitable for students who have achieved a grade ‘C’ or above in English. A commitment
to go to the theatre to see plays performed by different theatre companies is vital. A curiosity about
issues and ideas affecting life and a creative instinct for communicating views through practical drama.
Skills to work as part of a team working collaboratively to a deadline are essential.
Assessment
AS
Unit 1 – Exploration of Drama and Theatre
In this unit you will be required to analyse two play texts through exploration and study to gain an
understanding of how plays are structured and interpreted.
Unit 2 – Theatre text in Performance
In this unit you will be asked to use your understanding and experiences gained in Unit 1 and apply it
in performance. In preparation for this unit, you will take part in practical workshops that will help you
to develop your performance skills.
A2
Unit 3 – Exploration of Dramatic Performance
For this unit, you will devise an original piece of drama for presentation to an audience.
Unit 4 – Theatre in context
Unit 4 requires a historical and directorial approach to the theatre texts. Experience gained in the
AS units and Unit 3 can be applied to a set text and a play that is likely to be in excess of 100 years
old.
Future Prospects
Many of our students have gained places at University to study directing, acting, theatre design, stage
management, film, teaching, law, events management, architecture, marketing and translating.