Drama and Theatre Studies

Examination Board: AQA
What will I study?

The AS Drama and Theatre Studies course will develop your skills and versatility as a performer, director and designer.  You will explore a set play text in detail and learn about key theatre practitioners including Stanislavski, Artaud, Brecht, Boal and Brook.  You will participate in skills development workshops where we apply theory to practice and explore a variety of plays through performance.  You will visit the theatre regularly to experience a wide range of performance styles.  At  A2 you will study further set play texts from different periods of history and develop the skills to devise your own theatre performance as part of a group.
Do I need any particular skills or background knowledge?

This exciting but demanding course requires great commitment and thinking skills and above all a passion for drama in all its aspects – reading, directing, designing and acting. Teamwork is vital. Drama and Theatre Studies is one of the only AS subject where your final result depends on the work of others - and vice versa.

GCSE Drama is not a prerequisite for this course but prior drama experience, a keen interest in theatre, and practical experience of staging and performing plays is essential.  A high grade in GCSE English Literature is also essential to support the critical and analytical aspects of drama theory.
Method of assessment

AS Drama and Theatre Studies

Unit 1: Live Theatre Production Seen and Prescribed Play
1 hour 30 minutes written examination (60% of AS, 30% of A level)

Unit 2: Presentation of an Extract from a Play
Practical Performance  (40% of AS, 20% of A level)

A2 Drama and Theatre Studies

Unit 3: Further Prescribed Plays
2 hour written examination (30% of A level)

Unit 4: Presentation of Devised Drama
Practical Performance  (20% of A level)
Will the subject go with other subjects I am taking?

It can be studied with any combination of subjects or disciplines but, because of potentially time-consuming rehearsals during the Spring Term, you need to consider carefully the demands on your time if you mix it with other subjects with a strong practical element.
How useful will this subject be for me in the future? Drama and Theatre Studies is an excellent subject for developing communication skills, teamwork, self-confidence and self-esteem. At university, it can be studied as a single subject or in combination with another discipline. Different universities offer opportunities to specialise in various aspects of theatre including Scriptwriting, Scenography, Acting, Drama Therapy and Arts Administration.  It is a useful additional subject for those considering Primary Teaching as a career. It will also support careers in Law and Business where you will need to present your thoughts with charisma and confidence in order to persuade your audience.
Related extra-curricular activities

You will be expected to participate in regular visits to the theatre. You will also be expected to broaden your practical skills through participation in the main school productions, as well as assisting with the middle school production, the Year 9 touring performance and other school events.