Who is the course for?

Anyone who is interested in combining the activities of exploring plays, creating theatre, the performing of plays, the analysis of theatre and the critical evaluation of all these elements. This course is useful for students who wish to develop their understanding of theatre, plays and acting; their understanding of devising and the production process; and theatre appreciation through critical appraisal. Fundamentally it is for students who wish to pursue a theatre or performing arts related career.

Content outline

Unit 1 – Candidates study two contrasting set texts and evaluate live theatre productions seen during the course.

Unit 2 – Candidates perform a scripted play and either a monologue or duologue.

Unit 3 – Candidates devise, perform and evaluate an original piece of theatre.

Unit 4 – Candidates study one prescribed set text and one prescribed historical period of theatrical development.

Students are required to perform in public and attend theatre performances.

Student Profile

Rob Aramayo, an A level Drama & Theatre Studies student at Wyke, successfully auditioned for one of only 18 places at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York.

The audition process was intensive; from the original 4,000 applicants only half are given the opportunity to audition. Rob visited during December 2010 and his initial audition took place in January in New York. His last call back was in March when, having spent days being assessed, from the original group of over 2,000 who auditioned, he became one of the successful final 18 students. Previous Juilliard students include Kevin Spacey and Robin Williams.

Rob said ‘I decided to apply for Juilliard as it is a prestigious, practical and diverse course.’ The Drama Division offers a four-year professional actor training programme. Rob has previously worked extensively with Hull Truck Youth and shown great commitment throughout his time at Wyke; it is this focus from such an early age which is now paying dividends.