Drama and Theatre Studies

Course summary

Drama and Theatre is a subject in which all other subjects meet. Students will mix these ideas around, become critical of the world around them and create theatre that provokes and challenges society to do better. Students will extend their ability to create drama and theatre, either in a performing or production role. They will also be required to write about drama and to develop their powers of analysis to become an informed critic. The course will involve taking part in drama productions, as well as studying plays, playwrights and practitioners. To achieve high grades, students need to be rigorous and dedicated in their approach. Sound analytical skills and a questioning nature are essential. Practical experience must be supported with a sound grasp of theatrical theory in both coursework and examinations. Students need to be enthusiastic, involved and committed, using private study sensibly for research, reading and writing essays. Most students find that despite the theoretical challenges of the course, the practical elements of the subject complement other academic areas and allow them to develop a variety of study techniques. Students need to be curious about issues and ideas and have a creative instinct for communicating their views through drama. They may be keen on acting, writing or on the visual and technical side of theatre and wish to develop their skills in some or all of these areas. Equally they will be interested in going to the theatre to see plays performed by different theatre companies.