Theatre is a practical subject that encourages discovery through experimentation, the taking of risks and the presentation of ideas to others. It results in the development of both theatre and life skills; the building of confidence, creativity and working collaboratively.
The IB Diploma Programme theatre course is a multifaceted theatre-making course of study. It gives students the opportunity to make theatre as creators, designers, directors and performers. It emphasizes the importance of working both individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. It offers the opportunity to engage actively in the creative process, transforming ideas into action as inquisitive and productive artists.
Students experience the course from contrasting artistic perspectives. They learn to apply research and theory to inform and to contextualize their work. The theatre course encourages students to appreciate that through the processes of researching, creating, preparing, presenting and critically reflecting on theatre— as participants and audience members—they gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community and the world.
Through the study of theatre, students become aware of their own personal and cultural perspectives, developing an appreciation of the diversity of theatre practices, their processes and their modes of presentation. It enables students to discover and engage with different forms of theatre across time, place and culture and promotes international-mindedness.
| Syllabus area | Linked assessment task | Externally / Internally assessed | Weighting | |
| Staging play texts | Production proposal | Internal | SL 30% | HL 20% |
| Exploring world theatre traditions | Research presentation | External | SL 30% | HL 20% |
| Collaboratively creating original theatre | Collaborative project | External | SL 40% | HL 25% |
| Performing theatre theory (HL only) | Solo theatre piece (HL only) | External | N/A | HL 35% |
Key features of the assessment model
- Available at standard (SL) and higher levels (HL)
- The minimum prescribed number of hours is 150 for SL and 240 for HL
- Students are assessed both externally and internally
Contact for further information
Nick Huntington, Director of Drama: nh@wellingtoncollege.org.uk
IB Theatre website:https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/the-arts/theatre/
Potential careers
Drama prepares pupils for a world that is increasingly team orientated and allows them to explore emotions, to acquire tolerance and to develop the empathy to inhabit the characters they play. Drama promotes divergent and critical thinking, as well as honing skills in team building, decision-making, problem solving and leadership.
Drama & Theatre is most directly useful for those aiming to pursue a career in theatre making or other performing arts. There is a close connection with English Literature, as the course hinges on the study of dramatic literature. The performance elements of Drama & Theatre can afford appreciable growth in presentation skills and public speaking. It is also a useful subject for anyone considering a career that might involve public speaking or presenting. Drama can provide an excellent foundation for a degree in English due to the level of textual analysis required. Moreover, the challenges presented by the study of contemporary theatre have broad application across a range of fields of study and careers.