Drama and Theatre Studies AS/A Level

Theatre Studies is designed for students with a keen interest in acting, directing and performing.

The course is designed for students who want a deeper understanding of drama and are interested in studying plays, looking at the work of influential theatre practitioners, analysing live theatre performance and creating performance work of their own.

The course is evenly balanced between practical work and academic study. It should be noted that the course requires considerable wider reading from students and progress throughout the course is assessed through a series of regular essays and practical assignments.

It is highly recommended that students have previous experience in the subject, preferably at GCSE level or through recognised qualifications. Participation in school plays and extra curricular drama clubs is desirable.

The course is a good preparation for students who would like to pursue a career in the arts and complements subjects such as English Literature, Philosophy, Film Studies, Music and Dance.

Course Duration:

AS: One year
A2: One year
AS + A2: Two years

Course Description:

The course is split into 4 units.

There are 2 on the AS course and 2 on the A2 course.

Unit 1 (AS) – written examination on productions seen and set texts.

Unit 2 (AS) – practical examination (Scripted)

Unit 3 (A2) – written examination on set texts

Unit 4 (AS) – practical examination (Devised)

You will find more detailed descriptions of each unit below.

Course Units:

Unit 1 (60% AS, 30%A2)

This unit is divided into two sections. Each section is taken as a separate 45 minute written examination.

Section A
This is a personal response to live theatre seen during the course. Candidates answer one question from a choice of four. Notes may be taken in to the examination room.

Section B
Candidates answer one question on one set play. There will be a choice of two questions on each of the set plays. Candidates are required to answer from the point of view of an actor, director or designer.

Even though you only answer a question on one set play, candidates will study two. For 2009 these will be:

• ‘Antigone’ by Sophocles
• ‘A Doll’s House’ by Henrik Ibsen

You will be told which editions of these texts to get. Not all versions you can buy will be the same.

Unit 2 (40% AS, 20% A2)

Candidates are required to work in groups of between two and eight and present an extract from a published play of their choice. The length of the extract should be between 15 and 40 minutes depending on the size of the group.

Candidates have a free choice of play text provided that their selection represents a different period and genre from the plays studied for Unit 1. Your lecturer will help you with this crucial decision.

The extract must be clearly influenced by the work of a theatre practitioner. This will be Konstantin Stanislavski.

The marking is split into three areas:

1. Preparation and Development – Rehearsing
2. Supporting Notes of 1500 – 2000 words
3. The Performance

The rehearsing is marked by your lecturer.
The performance is also marked by your lecturer, but moderated by an examiner from AQA.

UNIT 3 (30% A2)

This unit is divided into two sections. The examination lasts for two hours.

Section A
Candidates answer one question on one pre-twentieth century play. There will be a choice of two questions on each set play. The questions will be from the point of view of an actor, director, or designer.

Section B
Candidates answer one compulsory question on one set play. The question will be based on an extract from the play printed in the examination paper. The question will be from the point of view of a director and candidates are required to offer suggestions for a complete stage realisation of the extract.

UNIT 4 (20% A2)

Candidates are required to work in groups of between two and eight to produce a devised piece of Drama. The length of the piece should be between 15 and 40 minutes depending on the size of the group.

The piece must be performed in a theatrical style of their choice.

The marking is split into three areas:

1. Preparation and Development – Rehearsing
2. Supporting Notes of 1500 – 2000 words
3. The Performance

The rehearsing is marked by your lecturer.
The performance is also marked by your lecturer, but moderated by an examiner from AQA.

Course Costs:

Everybody will need to buy their own copies of the set plays. These should be purchased AND READ during the summer holidays prior to the start of the course.

Everybody is required to take part in theatre visits. We will try to organise three per year and the average cost will be £20.00 per trip.

For some practical classes and assessments, rehearsal blacks will be required. Appropriate rehearsal blacks are almost the same for both male and female. Black jazz shoes, plain black cotton long sleeve t-shirt and plain black trousers.

Girls are also required to purchase an ankle length black skirt. This will be more appropriate for certain character work than trousers.

The items must all the same shade of black and feature no logos, no stripes, no overt zips or pockets. Neutrality is the key.

For further information contact Nic Saunders, Director of Drama.