Prior knowledge/Experience
It is desirable though not essential to have studied Drama at GCSE level. The willingness and ability to embrace a range of explorative drama strategies and conventions is necessary and it is taken for granted that students will have fundamental improvisational skills and the inclination to make theatre. The challenging nature of the IB Theatre course means that students would be best equipped to tackle Higher Level if they have achieved at least a grade B at GCSE. Standard Level students need to have achieved a grade C.

Theatre SL and HL
The aims of this course are to explore the making/performance and impact of theatre across a range of times and cultures and to examine the ways in which playwrights, directors, designers and performers interpret the world in which we live. The varying functions of theatre, particularly in reference to political and sociological ideals will be assessed and evaluated. The social, cultural and historical implications of important theatre work will be researched and explored practically as will the original performance conditions. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the impact of various theatre movements on the audience.

Content will include the following:

The Theatre of the Absurd (20th Century Europe)
The Theatre of the Oppressed (South American Modern/Contemporary)
Shakespeare or Classical Greek Drama/Mask
The Role of the Director
The Role of the Designer

Theatre HL only
Modern American Absurdism (Albee)
Contemporary Physical Theatre
Brecht/Political and Epic Theatre

Assessment
A variety of approaches to studying Theatre in the World, Theatre in the Making and Theatre in Performance will be adopted. Students will be assessed largely on their ability to reflect on the processes involved in a variety of practical tasks (technical and performance based) in their Performance Project Presentation. They will conduct a Research Investigation and develop an Independent Project Portfolio as well as a Practical Performance Portfolio.