Drama & Theatre A Level
Course Overview
Drama is an exciting and challenging course that fosters creativity and independence, encouraging you to become effective performers and/or designers. It is a highly practical course that focuses on interpreting, developing, and making theatre through both devised and scripted performances/designs. Industry-trained staff have many years’ experience in teaching, performing, directing and preparing students for auditions and further study in higher education and drama schools.
The course is divided into three components:
Component 1: Theatre Workshop involves the practical reinterpretation of a chosen text extract using the methods and techniques of a selected practitioner. Written coursework documents the creative process. You can work as either a performer or designer.
Component 2: Text in Action requires you to create, develop and perform/design both a devised and scripted piece. Written coursework analyses and evaluates the process. You can work as either a performer or designer.
Component 3: Text in Performance includes theoretical and practical study of three set texts from actor, director and designer perspectives, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed.
Across the course, you will also analyse the work of others by viewing Live Theatre productions.
Year 1 Modules
- Theatre Workshop
- Text in Action
- Text in Performance
Year 2 Modules
- Theatre Workshop
- Text in Action
- Text in Performance
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at Grade 5 including:
- Grade 5 in GCSE English Literature
- Grade 4 in GCSE English Language
- A successful audition where you demonstrate the practical performance or theatre design skills required for the course that you may not have had the opportunity to show at school.
Assessment
- 40% Exam
- 60% Coursework
- Exam Board: EDUQAS
Why choose this course?
You will enjoy this course if you are creative and interested in studying and making theatre, as a performer and/or a designer; or you are considering a profession in the entertainment industry.
Our Drama and Theatre course is taught in excellent purpose-built facilities, which include rehearsal rooms and a fully functional black box theatre. Visiting theatre groups and practitioners, theatre trips and enrichment activities such as the annual student play and working towards LAMDA Acting qualifications ensure that any student studying at Long Road have the opportunity to develop their skills beyond the study timetable.
Skills you'll gain
On this course you will:
- Develop an informed, analytical framework for making, performing, interpreting and understanding drama and theatre.
- Appreciate and experience live theatre.
- Develop analysis and evaluation skills.
- Appreciate how the social, cultural and historical contexts of performance texts have influenced the development of drama and theatre.
After Long Road
The course incudes preparation for students considering Drama and Theatre courses at university and actor training at major Drama schools. It is also an excellent grounding for interpersonal skills such as communication, confidence building, organisation and teamwork in preparation for careers in areas such as law, social work, psychology and teaching.
Drama has been an amazing experience, the new skills that you learn helps you develop independence that you can interpret into other aspects of your life.
