Drama and Theatre A level

Entry requirements

GCSE English Language Grade 5 or above
GCSE Drama Grade 6 (students who have not studied Drama at Key Stage 4 will still be considered for the course subject to meeting with the subject leader).

Course content

Students will follow the Edexcel Drama and Theatre course, which offers a blend of practical and theoretical work. The course is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of theatre-making, both from the perspective of an actor and a director. You will study key practitioners, explore live theatre performances, and create your own original performances.

The course is divided into three main components:

Devising (40% of the qualification): You will create an original performance piece using a specific theatre practitioner’s methodology, supported by a portfolio documenting the devising process.

Text in Performance (20% of the qualification): You will perform a monologue/duologue and take part in a group performance, all from existing play texts.

Theatre Makers in Practice (40% of the qualification): You will analyse and evaluate live theatre, as well as study two set texts from the perspectives of actor, director, and designer.

Topics Covered Include:

Understanding the roles of the actor, director, and designer in theatre-making

Exploration of key theatre practitioners and their methodologies

Devising original performances based on stimuli

Text-based performance skills

Live theatre analysis and evaluation

Critical analysis of two set texts

Cultural Capital Opportunities As part of the course, students will have opportunities to engage in a range of cultural enrichment activities, including:

Theatre trips to watch live performances

Workshops with industry professionals and guest speakers

Opportunities to take part in school productions or external theatre projects

Workshops with professionals from across the Performing Arts Industry

These experiences will help deepen your understanding of theatre, expose you to various styles and techniques, and broaden your cultural awareness.

How will I be assessed?

• 2 exam papers worth 35% each

• Practical performance completed outside of school worth 15%

• Coursework completed in school worth 15%

Resources

Edexcel A level Drama and Theatre Student Book and ActiveBook – click here

AS and A Level – Drama and Theatre Study Guide | Edexcel Course Companion for Students and Teachers | Exam Preparation Techniques Practitioners Methods Text Analysis Rehearsal Skills and Performance – click here

Future opportunities

A Level Drama and Theatre provides an excellent foundation for careers in both the creative industries and more traditional academic fields. For those interested in the arts, the course opens doors to careers in acting, directing, stage management, playwriting, and design for theatre, film, and television. It is also a great stepping stone for further study in theatre, film, or performing arts at the university level.

However, the skills developed in Drama and Theatre extend far beyond the creative sphere. The ability to think critically, write analytically, and present ideas clearly is highly regarded in traditional careers such as:

Law: Drama hones your ability to present arguments, think on your feet, and understand different perspectives—key skills for legal professionals.

Education: Teaching requires effective communication and the ability to engage with and inspire students, which are developed through Drama.

Business and Management: Leadership, negotiation, and presentation skills gained through theatre are invaluable in business roles, particularly those that involve managing teams or giving presentations.

Journalism and Media: The critical analysis and essay writing skills fostered by the course prepare you for careers in journalism, where you need to present clear, compelling arguments and insights.

Marketing and Public Relations: Drama’s focus on engaging audiences and communicating ideas creatively makes it a natural fit for roles in marketing, PR, and advertising.

By studying Drama and Theatre, you will not only develop creative and performance-based skills but also gain academic and transferable skills that are essential in a wide range of careers, both within and outside the arts. This makes it a versatile subject that opens doors to a variety of professional pathways.