Drama and Theatre Studies
AS Drama and Theatre Studies (2009 - 10)
Taking drama to another level...
You do not need to have taken Drama GCSE but a strong interest in the theory and practice of the theatre is essential. You can take this AS with Performance Studies and/or Dance if you wish. Drama & Theatre Studies is concerned with the whole area of theatre – including production and performance, whereas Performance Studies is concerned with contemporary Dance, Music and Drama.
We are following the new Edexcel specification. View our Gallery to see some of the students in their exam productions.
AS Drama & Theatre Studies consists of two units:
Unit 1: Exploration of Drama & Theatre
You will be introduced at the start of the course to the wider world of the theatre through workshops covering theatre history, theatre styles such as physical theatre, different stage formats, the structure of plays, theatre language and terminology, acting techniques including voice, gesture and movement, theatre design and theatre practitioners.
You will work practically on two contrasting texts - The Bacchae (Euripides) - exploring chorus work, acting with mask, character work and political theatre - and East (Berkoff) - exploring total theatre, mime, voice, and Berkoff's contribution to contemporary theatre. You will also experience live theatre performances and learn how to evaluate them.
This unit is assessed by Exploration Notes plus an evaluation of a live theatre performance, internally marked and externally moderated, supported by video evidence of work done.
Unit 2: Theatre Text in Performance
This Unit gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills using the knowledge and understanding gained in Unit 1. There are two sections in this Unit. Assessment for both sections is by visiting examiner.
Section A: Performers will stage a performance of a monologue or a duologue. Theatre designers will support a performer/s through the design of one of: costume, lighting, mask, makeup, set and props or sound. You will complete a written performance or design concept to show evidence of your understanding, your preparation and your interpretation.
Section B: Performers and designers will work within a performance company led by a teacher to create a group performance of a section from a published play, chosen and cast by the teacher.
Facilities and Resources
We work in a purpose-built studio theatre with stage lighting and sound and flexible raked seating to create a variety of performance spaces. We also have an open-air amphitheatre. We have a specialist technical assistant to help you with technical theatre aspects.
A2 Drama and Theatre Studies (2009 - 10)
If you choose to continue the course at A2 level you will take a further two units:
Unit 3: Exploration of Dramatic Performance
You will create a unique and original piece of theatre using everything you have learnt so far on the course. You will be assessed by your teachers on the process of creation and the finished production which you will perform to an invited audience.
You will need to produce written evidence of your research and development work and a DVD showing a sample session and the final performance.
Unit 4 – Theatre Text in Context
This is an externally examined written unit. You will study one set text and one historical period from which you will see a live production. You will be required to answer 3 questions using your annotated text and notes made on the production you have seen.