Drama and Theatre

This course can be combined with other courses to make a full programme. It goes well with any subject but particularly works well with Art or Media based subjects and English and Humanities courses. In the first year you will complete an AS level. 

This courses allow you to combine practical performance with theoretical work, based on studying set plays and their stage history. The course has a practical feel and will be largely taught in studio spaces. It is delivered over two years and combines the study of one set play, alongside the performance of one scripted piece and one reinterpretation of an existing text, plus two further performance pieces, one scripted and one devised, and the study of two set texts.

Assessment is by practical performance and written coursework (60%) and written examination (40%).

What topics will I study?

You will:

• Be assessed in both scripted and devised performance mediums
• Explore the techniques and practices of a range of theatre practitioners
• Enjoy writing about theatre, whether in response to reading plays or seeing performances
• Attend a wide variety of performances and workshops
• Rehearse, develop and perform extracts of published plays as well as creating your own devised material
• Develop transferable skills such as communication, public speaking, teamwork, negotiation, creativity and leadership skills

We offer a wide range of theatre trips to a variety of venues across the year. We ask that students have an open mind and attitude and learn to appreciate theatre and performance in a range of forms, styles and genres. We also invite professional theatre practitioners to come into College and provide both practical and theoretical workshops in order to enhance the learning experience.

Next steps: You could progress to university, drama school or an Apprenticeship. There are many transferable skills gained through studying drama that are suitable to a wide range of careers. This could include jobs in marketing, education, project management, the caring professions and the social sciences, as well as work within the theatre and creative industries.

You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths. GCSE Drama is helpful, but not essential. You must be able to write an essay and work effectively in a group. Seeing live theatre should be something that you enjoy doing.

There is a drama theatre in the Centre for Creative Industries as well as several black box studio spaces. You will have access to a Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and refectory.

There are some costs of materials and resources.