Theatre Studies

You will develop skills that allow you to investigate the work of influential performing arts practitioners: writers, directors and producers. You will also develop skills and techniques as an actor; participating in regular workshops, classes and exercises to prepare you for performing live to an audience. 

You will work as part of an ensemble group of performers to respond to a stimulus and to create performances. You will explore a range of acting styles including those applied to texts and those required for improvisation and devising work. 

Edexcel

There are three components, two that are non-exam assessments worth 60% and a written exam worth 40% of the final grade. 

In the past, students completing this course have progressed on to courses at vocational drama schools, theatre and media related courses at university and taken places at prestigious universities to study these and non-related degree subjects. We have many students working currently in the West End, TV and film.  

The course is extremely varied and gives you the opportunity to develop design skills. Previous students are currently working in design and stage management in theatres around the country. 

The course combines very well with a vast range of other subjects (creative, humanities, languages), but can also provide a stimulating contrast to subjects such as the sciences. 

Outside of class, we provide support with both practical and theoretical areas alongside the extensive cross-college study support. Supervised rehearsals in the lead up to performance exams can help students reach their highest potential. Facilities include a 200-seat studio theatre with industry standard lighting and sound equipment. 

There are workshop and theatre visits both here and abroad. Recent activities have included movement workshops on Broadway in New York, acting workshops with directors from London drama schools, masterclasses with directors from The National Theatre and RSC, and theatre visits across the country. The department was recently invited to perform at the Royal National Theatre (two years running); a very prestigious reward for our entry to the Connections Festival. We have an extensive programme of plays and musicals each year so that you can offer your services as a performer, theatre technician or backstage. We enter festivals, tutor you for auditions and support student-led projects. 

73% of Winstanley College Theatre Studies students achieved A*-B grade in the last exam series. 

Recent drama school offers include GSA, LIPA, Mountview, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Arts Ed and ALRA.