Head of Department: P.M. Griffin Board: EDEXCEL
The course will suit those students with an arts leaning. They should have the desire to study the development of theatre and its practitioners as well as wanting to produce their own performances. It is also an enjoyable, while academic, option for those seeking a contrasting fourth AS, providing breadth to Sixth Form studies. Theatre Studies students would be well equipped to follow degree courses in Drama, English, Journalism/Media Studies, Stage-Management and Arts Management. In addition to fostering critical and creative skills, Theatre Studies also increases confidence and leadership skills along with training in team work. Recent A Level students have gone on to do subject ranging from Drama to Medicine.
Theatre Studies trains students to develop: 1. competence in applied practical skills a. within a group b. individually 2. an appreciation of a play from a director’s and an actor’s viewpoint through analysis of both prepared and unseen texts 3. knowledge of theatrical influences, conventions and styles related to the development of theatre and the relationship between theatre and society. 4. an appreciation of the contribution of selected practitioners to theatre 5. a critical response to live theatre
Time is set aside for workshops on:
a)Improvisation & narrative b)Costume c)Scripting from improvisation d)Voice and movement e)Directing f)Set design
Watching theatre is a vital part of the course and so there will be trips to see a range of plays. Boys can also help with the running of the Blake Theatre, giving them valuable “backstage” insights and something interesting to add to their CVs.
Course outline for AS:
Unit 1 Exploration of Drama & Theatre 20% Coursework a) Exploration of 2 plays. Students work as directors, designers and performers and must create their own interpretation of each text. b) An evaluation of a live performance. .
Unit 2 Theatre Text in Performance 30% Coursework externally assessed a) A practical examination of acting in a production of a play directed by the teacher. b) A practical examination of acting in a Monologue or Duologue c) A written concept of the interpretation of chosen roles for practical
Course outline for A2:
Unit 3 Exploration of Dramatic Performance 20% Coursework a) The creation and performance of a devised piece of theatre b) A written evaluation on the process and performance of the devised work.
Unit 4 Theatre Text in Context 30% 2½ hr written exam Terminal written paper in three sections. Section A & B – Exploration of one play from a prescribed list from the point of view of a director in both an academic and practical way. Section C – Evaluation and comparison of a live performance seen with it’s original performance conditions.