Drama and Theatre Studies

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Drama and Theatre Studies

• AQA

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Introduction

• A level theatre studies is a refreshingly
  practical, intellectual and particularly creative
  subject. Reflective practice is at the heart of
  the AS/A2 specification and personal experience,
  knowledge and skills used in the exploration of
  drama are integrated to develop a deeper
  understanding of the subject.
• Contrary to popular belief the course is not only
  for budding actors and those with Theatre based
  aspirations but encourages students knowledge
  and understanding of the social and cultural
  contexts of the world in which we live.
• Drama is life with the dull bits cut out
  Hitchcock, Alfred (1899 1980)

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Why take Theatre Studies?

• Universities, colleges of higher and further
  education and employers all like to see that
  students have interests beyond their examination
  courses. Drama is a good example of such an
  interest as well as being an excellent way of
  getting involved with a wide range of students
  and staff in an enjoyable and creative way.

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Secondary Heads Association Report 1998

• Drama is a catalyst. All children eventually
  grow and mature but drama often speeds up the
  process especially in areas of emotion, aesthetic
  appreciation, self confidence etc. To be a doctor
  it is appropriate to take science subjects an
  accountant would have a maths background, but
  where do the everyday skills needed to succeed in
  any job come from i.e. communication,
  interpersonal, listening, organisational and
  problem-solving skills? Drama can cover all of
  these. A question I ask of pupils Do you want
  to be involved in IT or do you want to be in
  charge of those involved in IT?

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Course Outline

• 60 Written paper
• 40 Coursework

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New outline

• AS
• Scripted Acting Coursework
• Supporting notes
• Response to live Theatre
• Response to set text
• Antigone Greek Theatre

• A2
• Devised Acting Coursework
• Supporting notes
• Response to 2nd set text
• Set text extract (3rd text)
• The Trial Berkoff

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What do you need to know before taking it?

• You dont necessarily need to have a GCSE but
  some experience of performance.
• We look for interested, energetic students who
  are committed to working as part of a group.
• The course will develop many skills both specific
  drama skills such as acting and design and also
  many social, interpersonal and communicative
  skills.
• Though the majority do, you do not have to act as
  part of your exam assessment.
• There is a high practical content and rehearsals
  outside college time will be expected.
• Alongside the practical content, there is a
  significant amount of written work.
• It is a respected AS/A-level subject equal to all
  others and thus naturally accepted by all
  universities

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Group work

• This is a significant part of the course and
  depends on the interdependence and reliability of
  all group members
• You MUST be committed to
• out of school rehearsals
• working as part of a team
• keeping very good attendance and punctuality

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Theatre Trips

• As a department we arrange regular theatre trips.
  Not only to fulfil the Response to Live Theatre
  question at year 12 but also to widen the
  students experience of Theatre.
• These trips will be arranged at a cost to the
  students themselves.

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Practical work

• Video sample
• All 5 students 50/50
• The Trial 2009