Drama and Theatre Studies

“Theatre is a mirror. A sharp reflection of society” Yazmeena Reza

Welcome to the Bridgewater Drama Department where we are delighted to offer a vibrant and exciting A-level in Drama and Theatre Studies. The course gives students the opportunity to develop their practical skills and theoretical understanding. The A-level consists of three major components:

  • A three hour written exam which requires in-depth study and practical understanding of two set texts, The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams and Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth. Students also write a live theatre review during the exam.
  • The development of an original piece of theatre which must be underpinned by the methodology of their chosen practitioner (we study a variety of theatre practitioners in Year 12) and supported by a written devising log.
  • The realisation of two scripted extracts from two contrasting plays which must be performed for an external examiner.

Here, students’ learning experiences are enhanced by fantastic facilities including a state-of-the-art Drama Studio with fully functioning lighting desk and sound system. We have a superb network of local theatres with whom we have established long-standing connections and who we work with closely. We also subscribe to Digital Theatre +, an outstanding online platform which gives students access to the best quality theatre and a plethora of complementary resources.

Students who choose to study this A-level can expect a dynamic, challenging and varied experience where they are encouraged to strengthen their theoretical understanding through independent thinking and practical exploration and experimentation. Students considering this A-level should be prepared to take risks, should enjoy writing in detail about their ideas and should be open to new ideas and challenges.

Students of the subject take a variety of career paths including working in the performing arts, media, social and community, law, drama therapy and politics.

BTEC course also available.

We believe that indivduals count. So we are interested in what makes us all different. Not just what makes us the same.


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