Studying plays through both performance and analysis, combining acting, staging, and written evaluation of theatre.
A Level
Drama & Theatre
Quick Summary
Performance & analysis – Roughly 60% practica (performing, directing, creating), 40% written.
Theatre visits – You'll need to watch multiple live theatre productions throughout the course
Group work – Theatre is collaborative; you'll work with others frequently
What's it actually like?
IN A NUTSHELL
A-Level Drama & Theatre Studies combines practical performance with written analysis. You'll perform in pieces, direct others, analyse plays, and study theatre practitioners and styles.
You'll typically create and perform devised theatre, perform set texts, watch and review live theatre, and write about dramatic techniques and theatrical context. The balance varies by exam board but generally includes both performing and analysing theatre.
It's about 60% practical (performing, directing, creating) and 40% written (essays analysing plays and theatre practice).
Drama suits people who want to make theatre whilst understanding it intellectually.
Theatre visits
You'll need to watch multiple live theatre productions throughout the course – this is essential, not optional. Budget for theatre tickets (student discounts help). Seeing professional theatre informs your practical work and written analysis.
About the course
Is this for you?
Performance and production
A-Level Drama and Theatre is a mix of practical performance and written study. You'll work both as a performer and in production roles (like directing or designing), learning how plays are created and staged.
Texts and practitioners
You'll study set texts and theatre practitioners, exploring different styles like naturalism, Brecht, or physical theatre. You'll learn how different approaches change the way a play is performed.
Creating performances
A big part of the course involves creating your own work. You'll devise pieces in groups and perform scripted extracts, which are assessed by your teachers and visiting examiners, along with written coursework or evaluations.
Written exam
You'll also sit a written exam where you analyse plays and explain how you would stage them.
What to expect
Overall, Drama is a creative, practical subject with written work alongside performance.
Drama & Theatre is a good choice if you:
Genuinely enjoy performing and creating theatre?
Are willing to perform in front of others regularly?
Can work collaboratively in groups effectively?
Enjoy both making theatre and analysing it?
Are willing to watch live theatre multiple times throughout the course?
Want to develop confidence and communication skills?
Performance skills - You'll develop confidence, vocal projection, physical awareness, and characterisation skills.
Collaboration - Theatre is teamwork. You'll learn to work effectively with others to create performances.
Creativity - Devising original theatre strengthens creative thinking and problem-solving.
Communication - Both performing and discussing theatre develops powerful communication skills.
Critical analysis - Analysing plays and performances strengthens analytical thinking.
Confidence - Performing regularly builds genuine self-assurance.
You WILL perform: If you're terrified of performing in front of people and aren't willing to work on that, Drama isn't for you. Confidence can be built, but willingness is essential.
Group work is constant: You'll collaborate with others frequently. If you prefer working alone, this will be challenging.
It's not just acting. You'll also direct, design, analyse, and review. Understanding theatre holistically matters.
You need to watch theatre regularly: This costs money and time. Factor this in.
GCSE Drama helps but isn't essential: Many students start A-Level Drama without GCSE, but you need genuine enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
Written work matters: Even if you're a brilliant performer, you still need to write analytical essays. It's not all practical.
It's respected but niche: Drama develops valuable transferable skills, but it's not a facilitating subject for most university courses. Combine it with more traditional subjects if keeping options open.
Drama + English Literature + History = Balanced humanities with creativity
Drama + Media Studies + English = Creative focus
Drama + Psychology + Sociology = Understanding human behaviour through performanceDrama rewards commitment and thoughtful practice. Here's how to succeed:
Commit fully to rehearsals – Theatre requires dedication. Attend every rehearsal, be on time, know your lines early. Your group depends on you. Half-hearted effort shows on stage.
Keep a detailed rehearsal log – Document your process thoroughly. Record ideas, challenges, developments, and reflections. This documentation is crucial for assessment.
See lots of theatre – Watch professional productions whenever possible. Analyse what works and what doesn't. Let it inspire and inform your own work.
Understand practitioners deeply – Don't just memorise names. Understand Stanislavski's, Brecht's, or Artaud's actual techniques and philosophies. Apply their ideas to your analysis.
Drama graduates work in:
Acting
Directing
Teaching
Arts administration
Theatre management
Drama therapy
Broadcasting
Events management
and many other creative and people-focused roles.
The transferable skills (confidence, communication, collaboration) are valuable across sectors.
Drama & Theatre is valued by universities. Universities recognize the creativity, collaboration and communication skills it develops.
Drama & Theatre A-Level opens doors to degrees in:
Drama and Theatre Studies
Acting and Performance
Theatre Production and Design
English Literature
Film and Television Studies
Creative Writing
Events Management
Top tip: Drama shows strong presentation and teamwork skills, which universities value across many subjects - it's not just for performing arts degrees.
Ask yourself:
Do I genuinely enjoy performing and creating theatre?
Am I willing to perform in front of others regularly?
Can I work collaboratively in groups effectively?
Do I enjoy both making theatre and analysing it?
Am I willing to watch live theatre multiple times throughout the course?
Do I want to develop confidence and communication skills?
Performance and communication skills are increasingly valued in business, education, and public-facing roles.
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Common A Level combinations
This A Level pairs well with:
Popular A Level combinations
Drama + English Literature + History = Balanced humanities with creativity
Drama + Media Studies + English = Creative focus
Drama + Psychology + Sociology = Understanding human behaviour through performance