Drama & Theatre - A Level

• Students learn to respond creatively and analytically to challenging play texts and stimulus material.
• Focuses on working dynamically within a group, understanding practitioner theory, and applying it in performance.
• Covers the impact of form, structure, and style on an audience, alongside social, cultural, historical, and political contexts.
• Students develop sophisticated vocal and physical skills and learn to write from the perspectives of actor, director, and designer.

COMPONENT 1: DEVISING

• Response to one key extract from a performance text and a theatre practitioner as stimuli
• Devised performance of an original performance piece of theatre

COMPONENT 2: TEXT IN PERFORMANCE

• One group performance from a script (36 marks)
• One monologue or duologue performance from a script (24 marks)

COMPONENT 3: THEATRE MAKERS IN PRACTICE

Live theatre evaluation

Page to stage: Realising a performance text - Practical exploration and study of one set text, focusing on how this can be realised for performance.

Interpreting Performance Text - Practical exploration and interpretation of a second set text, in light of a chosen theatre practitioner – focusing on how this text could be reimagined for a contemporary audience.

Component 1: Devising (40% of final mark)

Internally assessed and externally moderated.

• The devised performance is worth 20 marks
• The written portfolio is worth 60 marks

Component 2: Text In Performance (20% of final mark)

Externally assessed by a visiting examiner.

• Group performance from a script is worth 36 marks
• Monologue or duologue performance from a script is worth 24 marks

Component 3: Theatre Makers In Practice (40% of final mark)

2.5 hour written exam.

Section A: Live Theatre Evaluation (20 marks).   One extended response question from a choice of two, analysing and evaluating a live theatre performance you have seen in light of a given statement.

Section B: Page to Stage: Realising a Performance Text (36 marks).  A practical exploration and study of one set text, focusing on how this can be realised for performance.

Section C: Interpreting a Performance Text (24 marks).  Practical exploration and interpretation of a second set text, in light of a chosen theatre practitioner - focusing on how this text could be reimagined for a contemporary audience.

• Students are required to have a grade 5 or above in Drama and English.
• Any student who did not take GCSE Drama will be required to undertake a short audition on enrolment day.

• We will see a range of live theatre as a class in order to provide inspiration for students’ own work and prepare for the Live Theatre C3 question. In addition, students are expected to find opportunities to watch a variety of live performance in their own time, in order to broaden their experience.
• There will be intensive extra-curricular rehearsal in preparation for the Devised and Scripted performances.
• Students are encouraged to get involved in the school production, National Theatre Connections Festival, and develop their leadership skills by contributing to KS3 Drama Clubs.

Ideal preparation for a BA Hons in Drama and/or Theatre Arts degree, or a vocational course in Acting at a Drama School or conservatoire. The course is valued by universities for developing deep analytical skills and practical creativity.

• Complements other Arts subjects, English Literature, and Media Studies

• Appprenticeships are available in creative and production roles, including:

Apprenticeships | National Theatre

Technical Apprenticeships | ATG Entertainment Careers

Opportunities - Get into Theatre

Creative and production roles in Theatre and the Performing Arts include: Actor, Automation, Casting Director, Costume Designer, Director, Lighting Designer, Playwright, Producer, Production Manager, Prop Maker, Puppet Designer, Set Designer, Sound Designer, Stage Crew, Stage Manager, Theatre Fight Director, Voice-Over Artist, Wardrobe, Wigs, Hair and Make-Up

Year 12 student

In no other lesson do you spend half an hour hanging upside down as Stephen Berkoff's bug-like creation Gregor.

In my opinion there's no other subject that pushes you so far both mentally and physically, or is as rewarding.

I plan to study Drama at University, as it's my passion and my dream to work in this world where you never stop learning.