Why study A Level Drama and Theatre Studies? The study of theatre provides access to one of the world’s foremost forms of cultural expression and chimes with the foundation of Europe’s educational and intellectual tradition. Theatre engages with the cultural history underpinning all artistic, philosophical, literary and social study. Theatre engages the intellect and the psyche, nurturing academic and creative curiosity and independence, empathy and inter-textual sensitivity. Studying theatre is a foundation for work as a professional performer. The majority of professional actors, directors, designers, technicians and musicians are trained in their craft. Training at this stage is the gateway to a future on or behind the stage. What will I be studying? Theatre workshop: Create a piece of devised theatre, using the methodology of an influential theatre practitioner or recognised company. Text in action: Present two pieces of theatre rooted in a given stimulus. One is devised, the other scripted. Again, the work uses the methodology of an alternative practitioner or company. Text in performance: Study two set texts from differing cultural/historical traditions alongside the stage adaptation of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ and analysis of a given extract. All texts are considered from the perspective of actor, designer and director. How will I be studying? Through practical work you will be involved in the performance and exploration of: • genre/style • practitioners/theatre companies • text • theatre history Over the course you will study five performance texts from different social, historical and cultural contexts and two theatre practitioners or companies. You will participate in three completed performance pieces, contributing as a performer or designer. You will support your practical work with independent research of academic, contextual detail and creative stimuli. You will present this work either in the form of a written portfolio (with accompanying illustrative material) or as a suitably edited blog or audio-visual recording. How will A Level Drama and Theatre Studies help me in the future? Studying theatre is preparation for further studies and careers in a broad academic field: from languages and literature to law and medicine. A theatrical background leads to the arts and entertainment industries: a foremost aspect of the UK economy and an area in which the UK is a world leader. The Arts and Performing Arts courses have the highest post-graduation employment rates. The empathy and psycho-social awareness nurtured by the study of theatre is of recognised value in careers with a public interface: law, medicine, education, social work, business management, advertising and marketing, politics and public relations.