Open Days - 17 May: Prep (4-13) / 18 May: Senior & Sixth Form (13-18)
LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE - The perfect opportunity to gain an insight into the school, view the facilities and gather all the information you need.Why Study Drama and Theatre Studies?
The drama classroom turns into a creative space in which you can express yourself. Pupils explore many different styles of theatre and texts so that you finish the course with a breadth of new-found knowledge. While sitting back and watching Shakespeare and other productions has its place, theatre is becoming more of an experience for both the audience and spectator. On the practical side, pupils do not need to be the next Benedict Cumberbatch or Olivia Coleman, as they may be more interested in the technical aspect of theatre and we can help facilitate those study skills; such as lighting, sound and set and costume design.
Pupils who study drama and theatre studies will enhance their creative thinking, teamwork, analysis, presentation skills, planning etc. The course supports those wishing to improve their communication skills in both verbal and written forms, and can help them progress from this A-level into a number of career paths, either by further study or by direct entry to the job market. The skills gained whilst studying a performing arts degree are valued by all types of employers as they will welcome candidates who display confidence and are adept in self-presentation; teamwork and collaboration; the capacity to experiment with different ideas and the ability to learn from feedback.
Lights, Camera, Action!
If pupils enjoy watching theatre, are happy to perform and are willing to try out ideas in a workshop environment, then they will enjoy the course. The ability to work as part of a team is essential. There are many opportunities to practically apply your skills as a performer. More challenging areas will include essay writing and the application of theory to practice. Assessment is 40% practical and 60% written. Therefore, it is still an academic subject that is seen positively in UCAS applications.
The A-level consists of two coursework components and one externally examined paper:
- Devising
- Text in Performance
- Theatre Makers in Pracice
Examples of related roles that pupils may pursue, if drama is their chosen pathway, could include actor, stage manager, arts administrator, drama therapist and television production assistant. However, the skills learned would be invaluable to all jobs that require interpersonal skills, such as business, marketing, the law, politics, medicine and many others.
Drama Facilities
The school is fortunate to have a 250-seat dedicated theatre fully equipped with computer lighting desk, a large inventory of lanterns, up-to-date sound systems and flexible staging, plus a full-time Theatre Manager.
The department also has a black box drama studio with dance floor, staging, computer lighting desk and sound system. In addition, it has a dedicated teaching space and extensive costume and prop stores, which pupils are encouraged to access during drama classes.
Our wonderful amphitheatre is an exciting facility that gives us an excellent opportunity to perform outside and in the round.
Our pupils are afforded every opportunity to challenge themselves creatively during their time at King’s. Many take their acting and performing incredibly seriously, and a handful of pupils take the decision to pursue this as their chosen career. Several students have gained Distinctions in LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) examinations, and previous students have secured a place at the National Youth Theatre and at other prestigious drama schools for acting.