Entry requirements
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- Six GCSEs 9-4 (or A*-C)
- Two from English, Maths OR Science
- Two at least grade 6
Course specific requirements: It is useful to have taken Drama at GCSE level, but not essential.
What is Drama & Theatre
A Level Drama and Theatre is for students seeking the opportunity to study all aspects of the stage: acting, directing, set design, costume design, lighting and sound. A Level students will study a range of plays and theatre practitioners applying various rehearsal methodologies and performance techniques to their studies.
Components
COMPONENT 1: THEATRE WORKSHOP (PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT)
(20% of the A Level)
Students will reinterpret an extract from a published play, bringing fresh ideas using the techniques of a theatre company or practitioner.
COMPONENT 2: TEXT IN ACTION (PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT)
(40% of the A Level)
Students will create a devised drama performance in the style of a theatre practitioner and respond to a scripted text in a theatrical style of their choosing.
COMPONENT 3: TEXT IN PERFORMANCE (WRITTEN EXAM)
(40% of the A Level)
Students will study two plays – Dario Fo’s Accidental Death of an Anarchist and Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler – and watch professional theatre to draw inspiration from. They will also explore Simon Stephens’ adaptation of ‘Curious Incident of the Dog in the night-time’ and bring it to life as a director, designer or actor.
Skills
You will develop your analytical, interpretative and evaluative skills and become an informed theatre critic. Through practical group work, you will perform devised and scripted drama, working as a member of a team and improve your social and communication skills.
Careers/Destinations
Many of our students go into: directing, acting, journalism, writing, broadcasting, marketing and teaching.
Drama and Theatre
Do I need to have studied Drama or Performing Arts at GCSE to study A Level Drama?
No! Students need to have an enjoyment of the theatre and
performance, but do not need to have studied it at high school.
What's the difference between A Level Drama and BTEC Performing Arts?
They both have some similarities. Both courses are Level 3 courses,
meaning that if you get a Distinction* in the BTEC course, it is
equivalent to getting an A* in A Level Drama.
The main difference is in how they are assessed:
- The BTEC course has 4 units over the 2 years, 3 of which are
very practically assessed with accompanying coursework. 2
units are externally set by the exam board, one focus on
Investigating Practitioner’s work, the other is Group
Performance Workshop.
- The A level course is a brilliant blend of practical work and
theory, including text interpretation, analysis, devising and
performance. You will study 5 plays over two years and
explore a range of practitioners and styles using influence
from live and digital theatre performance.
You will get 24/7 access to digital theatre plus and the National
Theatre Collection as part of your course materials.
Can I study A Level Drama AND BTEC Performing Arts?
Yes, of course. Many of our students who aspire to a career in the
performing arts or just have a love of the subject and decide to
study both.
How much practical work is there in A Level Drama?
Lots! All components of study will be taught using practical means.
Components 1 and 2 are assessed through your practical work and
accompanying coursework. Component 3, even though it is assessed through a written exam, you will explore the three plays
practically to realise your ideas.
What are the facilities like?
We have invested in state-of-the-art facilities in Performing arts.
We have a 188-seat theatre with top of the range light and sound
equipment, a control room and live recording studio; a mirrored
dance studio and dedicated rehearsal rooms.
Does the College put on shows?
Yes! We make regular use of our excellent facilities and put on high
quality, sell-out shows and performances as regularly as possible.
We offer a range of enrichments across college such as the college
productions (musicals and plays), the MANCEP Shakespeare
Festival, Dance showcase, Talent Show, Concerts and much more!
What support do you provide for students wanting to study at drama schools?
Whether you are applying to study performance at University at
drama school, you will most likely have to prepare for and attend
an audition.
We offer dedicated and bespoke training and support sessions for
students wishing to apply to drama school or performance training
centres and conservatoires. We will provide 1-2-1 training and
tuition for your audition monologues, songs and repertoire, as well
as support with the application process itself.
We have a brilliant track record of success; students have gone
onto the most prestigious drama schools including RADA, LAMDA,
East 15, Italia Conti, Mountview, Arts Ed and ALRA
All department staff are highly trained and have a wealth of
industry experience. We have excellent links to our past students
who have gone onto drama school and the performing arts sector
and have industry professionals and representatives from drama schools and accredited drama training universities regularly
delivering masterclasses and Q and A sessions to give you the best
advice each year.
Can I be assessed as a designer for A Level Drama?
Yes! All students will study from the perspective of a performer,
director and designer. In practical assessment, student can select
their chosen specialism; performer, lighting designer, sound
designer, set designer and costume designer (including hair and
make-up)