How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Drama and Theatre

This section explains how to achieve an A* in A-Level Drama and Theatre. Achieving an A* grade in A-Level Drama and Theatre requires a deep understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical performance skills. It’s not just about acing the written exams, but also about showcasing your creative and analytical abilities in practical assessments. Below are some strategies and tips to help you excel in the subject.

Understand the Syllabus and Assessment Objectives

The first step in achieving an A* in Drama and Theatre is to have a thorough understanding of the exam specification. The A-Level Drama and Theatre course typically focuses on three key areas:

• Devised Performance: This is a practical assessment where you and your peers create an original performance piece, influenced by a given stimulus.
• Text in Performance: This component assesses your ability to perform and interpret a set play or extract. You may also be required to write about your performance in the written exam.
• Theatre Makers in Practice: This is a written exam where you analyse and evaluate live theatre productions, as well as your work on the set plays studied.

Be sure to check your exam board’s specific requirements, as there may be slight variations in the way these components are assessed. Understanding the objectives and assessment criteria for each component will allow you to tailor your preparation accordingly.

Master the Set Texts

In A-Level Drama and Theatre, you will study a number of set plays that you must analyse in-depth. These texts could be classic works, contemporary plays, or sometimes even a selection of extracts.

How to Study Set Texts:

• Deep Analysis: Go beyond plot summaries. Understand the themes, characters, and context of each play. Pay close attention to the playwright’s intentions and the historical, cultural, and social context in which the play was written and performed.
• Characterisation: For each character in the set texts, examine their motivations, development, and relationships with other characters. This is especially important for any practical assessments, where you may need to portray characters from the set texts.
• Directorial Vision: Consider how you would approach the plays as a director. Think about staging, lighting, costume, and the interpretation of the text. The exam often asks for your ideas on how the play could be staged, so having a directorial perspective will be useful.
• Thematic and Stylistic Context: Be prepared to discuss the themes of the play, such as power, identity, or class, and the stylistic techniques used by the playwright, such as naturalism, expressionism, or absurdism. Understanding how the themes connect to the wider societal context is crucial.

Useful Tip:

• Create Notes on Key Quotes: Make a list of important quotes from each set text, including character lines and descriptions that highlight key themes or character traits. Annotate these quotes with analysis that links back to themes, context, and characterisation.

Analyse Live Theatre Performances

This component requires you to write a detailed analysis of a live theatre performance. This involves both your practical understanding and your ability to reflect critically on the work of professional theatre companies. 

How to Analyse Live Theatre:

• Make Notes During the Performance: Bring a notebook to the performance (if allowed), and jot down key moments, visual elements, actor performances, and staging choices. These observations will be helpful when writing your analysis later.
• Focus on Design Elements: Be prepared to analyse the set design, lighting, sound, costume, and props. How do these elements contribute to the atmosphere or themes of the performance?
• Consider Performance Choices: Look at how actors interpret their characters. Consider vocal and physical techniques, gestures, and movement. How does the acting style fit with the overall production concept?
• Evaluate the Director’s Vision: Think about how the director’s choices affect the production. Was the production faithful to the script, or did it reinterpret the play? Consider how the direction influenced the performance as a whole.
• Relate Theory to Practice: Use theoretical knowledge (e.g. Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud) to frame your analysis. Relate the performance to specific techniques or ideas you have studied.

Tip for Success:

• Attend Multiple Productions: Try to see a variety of live performances, including different genres and styles. The more productions you experience, the richer your understanding will be, which will be beneficial for this component.

Develop Your Practical Skills

Practical skills are assessed in both Component 1 (Devised Performance) and Component 2 (Text in Performance), and can often make the difference between an A and an A*. These components require you to demonstrate creativity, collaboration, and technical proficiency.

Key Areas to Focus On:

• Devised Performance: This is a group task, so strong teamwork is essential. Start by discussing themes, characters, and ideas for your devised piece, and choose a stimulus that offers plenty of creative potential. Plan rehearsals well, allocate tasks, and provide constructive feedback to each other.
• Innovative Ideas: Incorporate original ideas into your work, such as unique staging, the use of symbolism, or a distinctive acting style. Don’t rely on clichés or traditional approaches; push boundaries and show your creativity.
• Clear Structure and Intent: Make sure your devised performance has a clear narrative or message. Your intentions as a group should be apparent to the audience. Use moments of stillness, pacing, and transitions effectively.
• Text in Performance: Whether you’re performing a monologue or a scene, you must demonstrate a deep understanding of the text and bring your character to life. Ensure that your performance is well-rehearsed, emotionally nuanced, and grounded in the text.
• Character Work: Focus on understanding your character’s motivations and relationships. How do they evolve throughout the play, and how can you reflect this in your performance?
• Blocking and Stagecraft: Be mindful of your physicality, movement, and the use of space on stage. Understand how the staging choices (e.g., entrances, exits, position) contribute to the character and narrative.

Perfect Your Written Exam Technique

This component is a written exam, and achieving an A* requires strong exam technique in addition to your knowledge of the subject.

How to Improve Your Exam Technique:

• Time Management: Allocate time to each section of the exam, and stick to it. Don’t spend too much time on one question, especially if it’s not the one you feel most confident about.
• Structure Your Answers: For essay-based questions, ensure that your answers are well-structured. Start with a clear introduction, followed by a logically organised body, and end with a concise conclusion.
• Use Examples: Back up your points with specific examples from the text or the live performance you’ve analysed. When discussing theory, use references to the set texts and productions you’ve studied to illustrate your arguments.
• Command Words: Pay attention to the command words in exam questions (e.g., “Analyse”, “Evaluate”, “Compare”, “Discuss”). Tailor your response to the specific command, ensuring that you answer what is being asked.
• Be Specific: Avoid general or vague answers. Focus on specifics, whether it’s a moment in the play, a technique used by the actor, or a directorial choice in the production you analysed.

Revision Strategies

To prepare effectively for your A-Level Drama and Theatre exams, use the following revision strategies:

• Revise in Small Chunks: Break down your revision into manageable sections, focusing on one set text or skill at a time. This makes the workload more achievable.
• Mind Maps and Flashcards: Use mind maps to summarise key themes, characters, and concepts for each text. Flashcards can be used for quotes, theatre theories, or key terminology.
• Practice Past Exam Papers: Practice exam past papers in timed conditions to simulate the exam. This will help you improve your writing speed and develop the ability to structure your answers efficiently. 
• Group Revision: Join a study group where you can discuss themes, characters, and productions with others. This will help you gain different perspectives and strengthen your understanding of key ideas.

Stay Organised and Focused

Keep your notes organised and structured. Regularly review your notes, and make sure you are clear on both the theoretical and practical aspects of the course. Stay focused on your long-term goals, but remember to take breaks and maintain a balanced approach to your revision.

By following these strategies and putting in consistent effort, you’ll be well on your way to achieving an A* in A-Level Drama and Theatre.