Theatre Studies

Theatre Studies A level attracts students with a wide range of practical, dramatic and academic skills. During the course everyone is given the opportunity to pursue an established interest and to discover new talents. Perhaps more than any other subject, Theatre Studies requires that students work closely together throughout their course, and almost universally students have spoken with warmth and enthusiasm about the close bonds they have formed within their groups.

Who does it suit?

Because of the large practical component, working together is essential. All students have to pull their weight: this means learning lines, being prepared to contribute creatively to the group and to put in hard work at gathering props and choosing costumes etc. Drama & Theatre Studies is also very much an academic subject. Students carefully read set texts and write a large number of essays. Essay writing skills are at least every bit as important as acting skills for both the AS and A2 examinations.

The AS & A2

The subject has both practical and written components. In the practical exam students work together to produce either an original piece of theatre (AS) or to stage part of an existing play (A2), and although they are assessed individually throughout this process, marks are awarded for their contribution and co-operation within the group.

The written papers present candidates with a variety of challenges, from playing the role of theatre critic for one of the many productions we will have seen during the course, to studying the work of a practitioner such as Bertold Brecht or Konstantin Stanislavski. In both years we study set plays, focusing on performance rather than taking a purely theoretical approach. These texts offer a range of different contexts, writing styles and production challenges for the students to rise to. A2 candidates are also given an unseen play extract for commentary and analysis, and again students are encouraged to draw on practical experience during their studies to inform their answers.

d’Overbroeck’s has a good relationship with local schools and theatres where students produce their exam performances. Our aim in the Theatre Studies Department is to provide a rich and dynamic experience for students, and to leave them with an enhanced sense of self-worth, a lasting appreciation of theatre - and, of course, an excellent AS or A level grade.

The Department

Theatre Studies at d’Overbroeck’s is taught by staff members with both extensive practical theatre experience as well a strong academic background in Theatre Studies.