Things to read
- “DNA” by Dennis Kelly: This contemporary play is often studied at GCSE Drama. It’s a dark comedy about a group of teenagers who commit a terrible act and try to cover it up. “DNA” is fantastic for exploring themes of peer pressure, morality, leadership, and consequences. The dialogue is sharp and often realistic, and it provides excellent opportunities for exploring character relationships and tension in performance.
- “Girls Like That” by Evan Placey: This is a powerful and highly relevant play for teenagers. It explores themes of social media, reputation, bullying, and gender inequality among a group of teenage girls after a private photo is circulated online.
Things to listen to
- Kim Sandstrom: The Truth About the Value of Theatre | TED Talk
- https://www.ted.com/talks/patsy_rodenburg_why_i_do_theater
- In The Frame: Theatre Interviews From West End Frame Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/2MFVlA5pnjLNoLu7ZVe2Sj
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDW8p5afhZw
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0PtYFF281c
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVsdGfGPwWs
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wklU26MnIkE
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cz-qGDownY
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2Fju8b98l0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giXzBe_VOGA&t=18s
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DxaIgmqLLQ
Further studies
- Attend Workshops and Summer Schools: Many professional theatre companies, drama schools (like the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Guildhall, or local acting academies), and arts organisations offer short workshops or intensive summer schools.
Places to visit
- Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The Rep)
- Birmingham Hippodrome
- The Crescent Theatre
I'm good at Drama, what job can I get?
- Dramatherapist
- Arts Administrator/Manager
- Casting DirectorCorporate
- Trainer/Facilitator
- Community Arts Worker
- Broadcast Presenter/TV Show Host
- Playwright/Screenwriter
- DramaturgSet/Costume/Lighting/Sound
- Designer
- Events Manager
Activities
- Join a Youth Theatre or Local Drama Group: Practical experience is invaluable. Participating in a youth theatre, school drama club, or community theatre group offers opportunities to:
- Perform: Get on stage, develop acting techniques, and work with different scripts and directors.
- Devise: Collaborate with others to create original theatre, building on your GCSE devising skills.
- Gain Technical Experience: You might also get involved in lighting, sound, costume, or set design, which provides a broader understanding of theatre production.
- Come to school Drama club.
