Performing Arts - AS Level

Key Staff:  Miss. Toland

 

Entry Requirements:   4-5 grade or higher for Drama and English

 

Is this a new two year linear Subject?  Yes

 

Key Points About The Course

1. Theatre studies is a linear course, students can choose to complete either the AS, over 1 year or a-level over 2 years.
2. You cover 2 components for the AS qualification.
3. Component 1 AS - Exploration and Performance, this unit counts for 60%. In this unit students will study a play in a practical way. There are three parts to this assessment:
   • A portfolio documenting practical exploration of the play.
   • A group performance
   • A monologue performance
4. Component 2 AS – Theatre makers in practice exam, this unit counts for 40%. This is a 1 hour 45 minute exam, which will cover 2 sections.
   • Section A – Live theatre evaluation, students will go to watch a live theatre performance and then write a review on it.
   • Section B – From page to stage, students will study a play in lessons and then answer 2 questions, 1 as a performer and 1 as a designer.
5. You cover 3 components for the a-level qualification
6. Component 1 – Devising, this unit counts for 40%. In this unit, students will study a play and then devise an original piece of theatre using the play as a stimulus. There are 2 parts to this component:
   • A portfolio documenting the process
   • The devised performance
7. Component 2 – Text in performance, this unit counts for 20%. A group performance and a monologue performance. Both assessed by a visiting examiner.
8. Component 3 – Theatre Makers in Practice exam, this unit counts for 40%. This is a 1 hour 45 minute exam, which will cover 2 sections.
   • Section A – Live theatre evaluation, students will go to watch a live theatre performance and then write a review on it.
   • Section B – From page to stage, students will study a play in lessons and then answer 2 questions, 1 as a performer and 1 as a designer.
   • Section C – Interpreting a Performance Text, students will study a text and then answer a question from the point of view of a director.
9. You need to be hard working, committed and enjoy studying plays and completing written work to do well on the theatre studies course.

Or???

1. You need to be creative – can you work in a creative way? Are you good at creating imagine drama?
2. You will work practically most lessons. You will need to have good communication skills as you will be expected to work with everyone.
3. You will have to write up notes for most of your lessons.
4. You should enjoy reading play texts and studying practitioners.
5. You need to be a confident writer and should have good written communication skills.
6. You need to enjoy performing as you will be expected to perform in front of an examiner and an external audience.
7. If you prefer the back stage/technical side there are options to work in makeup, lighting, sound, ECT
8. You should have a good understanding of how to interpret plays. Can you breathe life into an old play?
9. You should enjoy going to watch live theatre performances in your own time and with the class.
10. You need to be hard working, committed and enjoy studying plays and completing written work to do well on the theatre studies course.