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Drama and Theatre Studies


This practical and busy course provides an excellent opportunity to study drama and theatre as part of our dynamic and thriving department.
You will extend your skills in the understanding of theatre and how plays are constructed, as well as the performance of drama. Varndean Drama students find this course engaging and challenging because it involves them in something that is both creative and academically rigorous. You will explore many styles of performance and attend exciting and diverse professional theatre productions throughout your studies, many of which are in London. In addition to performance skills, you will develop skills in critical analysis, observation, interpretation and communication.


Year 1

  • Acting induction
  • Study plays (Set texts 1 & 2) - Design, direct, perform extracts
  • Theatre visits

  • Unit 1: Performance Workshop (20%)

  • Devising skills
  • Practitioner workshops
  • Adapt/create/perform original piece of theatre
  • Creative log

Year 2

    Unit 2: Text in Action Project (40%)

  • Working with stimulus
  • Practitioner workshops
  • Rehearse and perform scripted group piece
  • Devise, refine and perform original theatre piece
  • Written report
  • Study play (Set text 3) - Design, direct, perform extracts

  • Unit 3: Written exam - 3 x Set Texts (40%)

Ellie Williams
Ellie Williams

Studied: Classical Civilisation, Drama & Theatre Studies, Textiles, AS French + EPQ

Progression: Theatre Production: Arts and Stage Management, University of Winchester

Studied: Classical Civilisation, Drama & Theatre Studies, Textiles, AS French + EPQ

Progression: Theatre Production: Arts and Stage Management, University of Winchester

After Varndean, Ellie took a gap year and embarked upon a winter 5 month ski season as a Chalet Chef in the French Alps. This provided her with not only a break from education but also a chance to meet new people and gain independence. Following this, as well as working part-time, she undertook a 5 week interrailing trip around Europe. In 2015, she started a degree in Theatre Production, but soon realised university wasn't for her and, after much deliberation, left after completing just the first year. A challenging decision as she went against the tide of her peers.

A random application resulted in her landing a job as Cabin Crew for British Airways and following an intense 5 week training, she began flying around the world, serving people at 35,000ft. After a year, she then moved back to working as a Chalet Chef for the 2017/18 winter ski season.

Ellie is now currently working in London for an events company, where she started out as Events Coordinator and after just 4 months has been promoted to Marketing Coordinator. As part of this role, she gets to travel and she enjoys being part of an intimate team where her contributions are valued.

She is also training and fundraising for a cycle from London to Amsterdam in 2019 for a cause close to her heart.

Ellie says: "Although I didn't realise it at the time, all the varied jobs I've had have only added to my skills and experience, and contributed to me getting my current career. My employers saw it as a positive thing that I had achieved so much in a relative short space of time, had the courage to try new things and be an independent thinker. My future plans are now to own my own business, perhaps a ski company. I would recommend choosing the subjects you enjoy because you will thrive from doing so. When choosing what to continue to A Level, I didn't know whether to choose Textiles or French, as I knew French was the more academic option. But I'm so glad I chose Textiles because I enjoyed the chance to be creative and it showed when I gained a grade A. Never be afraid to try something new, even if you’re not sure it will suit you. You never know where it will lead."*

Course Essentials

Courses Available
A Level
Entry Requirements

PLUS
Grade 5 in GCSE Drama (if taken)
OR
A background of successful experience in productions
How The Course is Assessed
60% practical coursework, 40% written exam
Career Pathways
The course gives a thorough preparation for students entering Higher Education or employment, developing creative thinking and independent learning skills alongside practical skills in theatre and drama. Many students progress to drama related degrees, at both University and Drama Schools, whilst others go on to study degrees such as Law, Psychology, Film Studies, English and History. The course helps create independent students, critical thinkers and effective decision-makers – qualities which can make students stand out as they progress through education and into employment.
Transferable Skills
A level Drama and Theatre develops a number of transferable skills; research, independence, teamwork, critical analysis, communication and presentation skills; time management; problem solving, drive and determination, IT skills.
Other Information
You will be taught by Nicky and Sian, both classically trained performers, teachers and theatre practitioners with many years of experience in the industry. You must be prepared to commit to practical acting workshops, researching cultural contexts, writing essays and workbooks, attending rehearsals and going on theatre visits. Expect to spend around £100 per year on visits.
Enquiries To
Nicky Jones: nlj@varndean.ac.uk
Sian Hutchinson: shh@varndean.ac.uk