DP Theatre is a dynamic and practical subject that encourages discovery through experimentation, risk-taking and the presentation of ideas. DP theatre gives students opportunities to engage in theatre as creators, designers, directors and performers.
The course emphasises working individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. Students will explore, learn, discover and collaborate to become independent, informed and skilled theatre-makers. Students learn to apply research and theory to inform and to contextualise their work.
Students experience the course from contrasting artistic and cultural perspectives engaging in learning about theatre from around the world, the importance of making theatre with integrity, and the impact that theatre can have on the world. It enables them to discover and engage with different forms of theatre across time, place and culture, promoting international-mindedness and an appreciation of the diversity of theatre.
Course Outline Students in DP Theatre will engage in three units: Theatre in context, Theatre processes and Presenting Theatre. In DP Theatre students will:
Theatre in context • Research and examine the various contexts of: at least one theatre theorist and at least one published play text, reflect on live theatre and at least one world theatre tradition • Reflect on personal approaches, interests and skills in theatre. Research and examine at least one starting point and the approaches employed by an appropriate professional theatre company, and consider how this might influence personal approaches
Theatre processes • Explore one theorist and collaboratively engage in creating theatre based on their theory • Take part in the practical exploration of at least two contrasting published play texts and engage with the process of transforming a play text into action • Practically examine the performance conventions of at least one world theatre tradition and apply this to the staging of a moment of theatre • Respond to at least one starting point and engage with the process of transforming it collaboratively into an original piece of theatre
Presenting theatre • Create, present and evaluate at least one theatre piece based on an aspect of a theatre theorist’s work. • Direct and present at least one scene or section from one published play text. • Present a moment of theatre which demonstrates the performance convention(s) of at least one world theatre tradition. • Participate in at least one production of a collaboratively created piece of original theatre, created from a starting point, which is presented to others.
Performance in DP Theatre Performance is integral to Theatre and DP Theatre students will perform solo theatre pieces, research presentations and the collaborative project at dates including the Winter Arts Showcase and Spring Arts Showcase.
Assessment in DP Theatre 1. Solo theatre piece (HL only) 35% External assessment Create and present a solo theatre piece (4–8 minutes) based on an aspect(s) of theatre theory.
2. Director’s notebook 20% HL 35% SL External assessment Develop ideas regarding how a play text could be staged for an audience.
3. Research presentation 20% HL 30% SL External assessment Deliver an individual presentation (15 minutes maximum) that outlines and physically demonstrates research into a convention of a theatre tradition.
4. Collaborative project 25% HL 35% SL Internal assessment (IA) Collaboratively create and present an original piece of theatre (lasting 13–15 minutes) for and to a specified target audience
Having followed the theatre course students are expected to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of specified content • Describe the relationship between theatre and its contexts • Identify appropriate and valuable information from research for different specialist theatre roles • Present ideas, discoveries and learning, gained through research and practical exploration to others
2. Demonstrate application and analysis of knowledge and understanding • Explain the relationship and significance of the integration of production, performance and research elements • Explore and demonstrate different ways through which ideas can be presented and transformed into action • Explain what has informed, influenced and had impact on their work
3. Demonstrate synthesis and evaluation • Evaluate their work and the work of others • Discuss and justify choices • Examine the impact their work has had on others
4. Select, use and apply a variety of appropriate skills and techniques • Demonstrate appropriate skills and techniques in the creation and presentation of theatre in different specialist theatre roles • Demonstrate organization of material including use and attribution of sources • Demonstrate the ability to select, edit and present work appropriately