Drama and Theatre Studies

Assessment

Component 1 – Practitioners in Performance (practical and theory: 40% – exam board moderated) Design route available in this component Students will practically explore the work of theatre practitioners and to use the skills/knowledge gained to explore text and create devised theatre as either an actor or a designer. Students are required to practically explore two practitioners and an extract from a performance text. This component is practically based allowing students to explore and experience the key ideas and methodologies in theatre. Students then use the skills they have acquired throughout the component to create a piece of devised theatre within a performance or design route. Evidence required from this component is: one research report, one devising journal (presented in a variety of ways to suit the student) and a performance. Component 2 – Exploring and Performing Texts (practical: 20% – visiting examiner) The aim of this component is to use acting skills to communicate the meaning in a performance text to an audience. Students are required to study one performance text in its entirety and work collaboratively to perform part of the text. Students and teachers will collaborate when choosing a text to ensure it stretches, challenges and engages the students. Evidence required from this component is: a scripted performance. Component 3 – Analysing Performances (written paper 1: 40%) This component consists of three sections. The aim of Section A is to enable learners to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how live theatre creates social impact in society, showing an awareness of characterisation, performance style, genre and context alongside technical theatre. The aim of Section B is to allow students to analyse and evaluate character and live theatre in line with our chosen text. Students will explore how characters can be interpreted and developed to create impact on performance. This component is assessed through a written exam but preparation does include practical study. The aim of Section C is to broaden the students imagination from the perspective of a director. Students are to provide an essay answer showcasing their reimagined performance from an existing text. Students are to highlight their understanding and take inspiration from the texts original performance conditions and playwrights intentions, utilising stylised techniques from a practitioner of their choice. Students will explore the creative possibilities of staging the chosen performance text – the text will be chosen as a group to ensure students are fully engaged, have a vision and challenged. Section B and C will include study of two different performance texts; Dario Fo – Accidental Death of an Anarchist AND Samuel Beckett – Waiting for Godot.