Ever wondered what it would be like to be a director, performer, designer, playwright or theatre critic? This is your chance to learn a range of transferrable theatre skills as well as developing your acting skills.
Ever wondered what it would be like to be a director, performer, designer, playwright or theatre critic?
Our course inspires students to become independent theatre makers. You will learn through experience and understand theatre from the different perspectives above, as well as taking ownership over creating meaning for an audience.
Undertaking this course will encourage you to develop not only performance skills but a range of transferable and valuable skills for a variety of subjects at higher education and also for employment. Teamwork, problem solving and learning to think independently are just some of these.
A full commitment to both written and practical elements is needed to maximise success.
The course is a two-year A-Level programme
We follow the AQA specification at Bilborough Sixth Form College. You’ll be taught in a dedicated dance studio, with a sprung floor, mirrored walls, and portable sound and lighting equipment. Practical exams take place in our wonderfully equipped Theatre. It is desirable, but not essential, that you have dance experience – and you must show enthusiasm, passion and a willingness to experiment with different styles. To strengthen your love for dance we facilitate workshops with companies such as Rambert Dance Company, Netherlands Dance Theatre and West End performers and theatre visits throughout the year, such as Move It, Amsterdam and London. If you’re serious about a career on the stage, or behind the scenes, this course may be taken alongside Drama and BTEC Extended Certificate in Performing Arts Level 3.
The course demands practical, creative and communication skills in almost equal measure. You will extend your ability to create drama and theatre, either in a performing OR a production role. Collyer’s has an excellent reputation for the quality of its drama work, with many of our students progressing to the top Universities and Drama Schools in the country.
The Head of Subject works professionally as an actor, lyricist, writer and director. He has over two decades of teaching experience at A level and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Candidates get the opportunity to work on devised, contemporary and classical plays. They will be expected to purchase and read set texts, plus pay for a variety of theatre trips during the course.
In the first year, you study one set play, ‘That Face’; by Polly Stenham, and devise a piece of original drama in a group after studying the physical theatre practitioner, Frantic Assembly. You also attend at least two performances, both local and London based. In the second year, you study your second set play ‘Dr Faustus’; by Christopher Marlowe. You also perform in both a scripted group piece and either a monologue or a duologue. In the second year, you will also attend at least two performances, one of which you review for your written exam.
A wide range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course. Formal lessons are combined with discussion, group work, task- based learning and research activities.
Both years of the course include involvement in a theatrical production which is shown in The Sealight Theatre. It is expected that you will work independently outside, completing a range of tasks and activities in an Independent Study Pack.
There is also a commitment to attending additional rehearsals in the weeks preceding performances. 1:1 support is available to all students.
Drama is ideal for students who wish to develop their performance and presentation skills. The Drama A Level provides students with the opportunity to explore their own creative expression, supported by a critical understanding of dramatic practitioners and theatrical works. Students will be encouraged to enhance their interpersonal and communication skills, working collaboratively to create and perform pieces across a variety of styles and genres.
If you choose this course you would benefit from:
