Drama and Theatre Studies

Course summary

The emphasis in A-Level Drama is on acting skills and effective communication. A-Level pupils can also choose to be examined in set design or costume design. Various design and technical skills are addressed throughout the course, regardless of the route you take. You will extend your ability to create drama and will study plays, playwrights and live theatre productions. You will take part in theatre productions, and also be required to write about plays and live theatre. You will develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic. Written homework includes assignments such as writing-in-role, drawing and justifying ideas for theatre costumes, scriptwriting, and documenting and evaluating the practical creative process. Homework is designed to thoroughly prepare A-level students for examinations and coursework. Learning how to evaluate live theatre is an essential part of Drama and Theatre A-Level. Girls have opportunities to visit local productions, as well as ones further afield such as RSC theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. We have also organised trips to experience musicals and performances in London’s West End. Seeing live theatre is essential for developing a critical and analytical mind, helping you to view theatre differently and to develop your performances. Polished performances take place in the drama studio. We have a fully equipped studio with stage space, sound and lighting, a backstage area and seating for live performances. It’s a fantastic space to hold performances that A-level drama students have crafted and polished. Students can also make use of various digital technologies in their performances using our drama studio, planning lighting and sound effects to emphasise moods, emotions or other experiences.