About this course
This course is ideal for students who have a passion for theatre, performance and creative expression. Whether you enjoy performing live in front of an audience, creating original practical work, designing theatre productions or analysing plays, this course provides opportunities to develop your skills and explore the world of theatre.
Students will experience a balance of practical performance and academic study. You will develop your understanding of acting techniques, theatrical styles, practitioners and the creative decisions involved in bringing a performance to life. The course also provides opportunities for students interested in technical and design roles, including lighting, sound, set and costume design.
Learners will explore a range of plays, theatre styles and performance approaches while developing their ability to evaluate and communicate ideas effectively. Students will also have opportunities to watch professional productions at regional theatres, allowing them to experience contemporary theatre practice.
Although the course is highly practical, Drama and Theatre is also an essay-based subject that develops strong analytical, communication and writing skills. These transferable skills are valued by employers, particularly within people-focused careers, education, creative industries and leadership roles.
What will you learn?
Drama and Theatre allows students to develop practical performance skills while exploring theatre history, performance theory and the creative processes used by theatre makers.
Topics covered include:
Devising Theatre
Students will work collaboratively in groups to create an original performance piece. This work will be developed from an existing play extract and influenced by the techniques and ideas of a key theatrical practitioner.Text in Performance
Students will develop and perform a scripted play as part of a teacher-directed production. Learners will take on performance roles and explore characterisation, interpretation and staging. Students will also perform a monologue or duologue to an audience, assessed by an external examiner.Theatre Makers in Practice
Students will complete a written examination exploring:Live theatre evaluation
Set text analysis from acting and designing perspectives
The study of theatrical practitioners and their influence on directing choices
Acting Techniques
Students will develop performance skills including character development, vocal techniques, physical expression and audience communication.Theatre Design
Students will explore creative roles within theatre production, including set, costume, lighting and sound design.Performance Analysis
Students will develop skills in analysing, evaluating and writing critically about dramatic work and professional productions.
Students will also develop an understanding of how theatre communicates ideas, reflects society and creates meaning through performance choices.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is aimed at students who are interested in theatre, performance and creative production. It is suitable for learners who enjoy performing live, analysing plays, watching theatre and exploring how performances are created.
Students who enjoy expressing ideas creatively, working collaboratively and developing their confidence through performance will benefit from this course. It is ideal for learners who are interested in acting, directing, theatre design or exploring the wider performing arts industry.
The course is also suited to students who enjoy academic discussion, research and writing about drama and theatre. Learners will develop the ability to analyse performances, communicate ideas clearly and evaluate creative decisions.
Students may wish to continue their studies through higher education in drama, theatre or performing arts, or pursue specialist actor training through conservatoires and drama schools. The qualification also provides valuable skills for a wide range of careers requiring communication, creativity, confidence and teamwork.
Students should have achieved a GCSE English grade 4 or above and an average GCSE score of 4.0+. Students will also complete an audition monologue during the first week of the course to ensure they are prepared for the practical demands of the qualification. This course is best suited to students with a strong interest in performance, theatre design, creativity and critical analysis.
Assessment takes place through a combination of coursework, practical performances and written examination. Students complete coursework consisting of practical work (10%) and written evaluation (30%), alongside practical performances (20%). The course concludes with one written examination (40%) focusing on live theatre evaluation, set texts and theatrical practitioners.
Students will develop skills in:
Performance and Creative Skills
Developing live performance and design ability
Creating original performance material
Character development and interpretation
Creative decision-making
Problem-solving through performance
Professional Skills
Professional rehearsal behaviours
Self-motivation and independence
Resilience and perseverance
Meeting deadlines
Time management
Communication Skills
Literacy and extended writing
Oracy and verbal communication
Public speaking
Presenting ideas confidently
Critical discussion
Collaboration and Leadership Skills
Teamwork and group work
Leadership skills
Responding to feedback
Supporting creative projects
Analytical Skills
Theatre research
Evaluating performances
Critical thinking
Understanding theatrical practitioners and styles
Progression routes
Students will develop skills in:
Performance and Creative Skills
Developing live performance and design ability
Creating original performance material
Character development and interpretation
Creative decision-making
Problem-solving through performance
Professional Skills
Professional rehearsal behaviours
Self-motivation and independence
Resilience and perseverance
Meeting deadlines
Time management
Communication Skills
Literacy and extended writing
Oracy and verbal communication
Public speaking
Presenting ideas confidently
Critical discussion
Collaboration and Leadership Skills
Teamwork and group work
Leadership skills
Responding to feedback
Supporting creative projects
Analytical Skills
Theatre research
Evaluating performances
Critical thinking
Understanding theatrical practitioners and styles
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