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Drama & Theatre Studies A Level

  • 3

    Level
    Level 3

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    September 2024

  • Venue
    Paston College

  • Course Code
    SA056

Start Date

  • September 2024, Full Time

Summary

The Drama and Theatre Studies course focuses on practical work with devising, rehearsing and performing taking place in the A level drama studio. You will learn how to deconstruct, analyse, interpret and perform play texts from a wide range of influential writers, as well as having the opportunity to devise your own original piece of theatre. You will acquire and develop movement, vocal, communication and characterisation skills as well as learning to use drama language and terminology.

You will have the opportunity to study plays from the point of view of a director, designer, performer and critic.

The course includes various workshops on additional skills such as stage combat, puppet making, lighting operation, budgeting for performance companies, and Q&A with professional actors. You will also learn about theatre history and look in detail at the work and theory of significant theatre practitioners.

There is a strong focus on contemporary theatre influencing and inspiring your work, with trips to see live performances in both AS and A2. Past trips have included seeing the award winning production of The Curious Incidence of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Apollo Theatre, London, The Royal Shakespeare Company's Julius Caesar at Norwich Theatre Royal, Frantic Assembly's Physical Theatre version of Othello at London's Lyrics Hammersmith, and tours of Shakespeare's Globe.

It is essential that you can work well in groups and have a high level of attendance, as well as having a genuine passion for the subject and enjoy learning about the theoretical aspects of theatre. Drama and theatre studies can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose to combine it with English, media studies or film studies.

Entry Requirements

3 A Level Programme
Minimum of 2 6/B grades and 3 4/C grades at GCSE. Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry to an A Level programme.
English Language GCSE grade 4

Assessment

Assessment is through practical work, performance, coursework and written examination. Classes are high energy and physical with a combination of both group work and the development of individual skills.

Progression

The course is useful for students considering Higher Education in any arts or humanities subjects including English Language and Literature, Journalism, Dance, Music, Art and Design, and Media Studies.

Career Progression

Career opportunities for students who study Drama can include; Arts/theatre administration, arts journalism, director, actor designer, playwright, stage management, theatre management, theatrical agent, technician, broadcasting, media presenting, education, drama therapy and script-writing.

Fees

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice shop.

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