The basis of theatre is inquiry into the human condition; what makes us human, the actions we take and the  stories we tell, how we interact and how we share our visions. 

Theatre is a form of expressive communication to others, and students are therefore required to think about  the responsibilities of theatre-making, considering carefully what they wish to communicate and how to  best present their ideas. 

Theatre students learn to apply research and theory to inform and contextualize their work as they  experience the course through practical and physical engagement. They understand that knowledge  resides in the body and that research can be conducted physically through both action and practice. In this  respect, the theatre course encourages students to appreciate that through the processes of researching,  creating, preparing, presenting and critically reflecting on theatre—as participants and spectators—they  gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community and the world. 
Through the study of theatre, students strengthen their awareness of their own personal and cultural  perspectives, developing an appreciation of the diversity of theatre practices, their processes and their  modes of presentation. This enables students to discover and engage with different forms of theatre across  time, place and culture and promotes international-mindedness. 

Participation in the DP theatre course  results in the development of both theatre and life skills; the building of confidence, imagination, creativity  and a collaborative mindset. 
 

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Core Areas of the Course

The theatre syllabus at SL and HL consists of three equal, interrelated areas:
 

Theatre in Context

        This area of the syllabus addresses the understanding that theatre does not occur in a        vacuum. You will examine the personal, theoretical and cultural contexts that inform theatre-making and the ways in which these affect and influence creating, designing, directing, performing and spectating.

Through the theatre in context area, you will: 

• understand the contexts that influence, inform and inspire your own work as theatre-makers and that determine the theatre that you choose to make and study

• experience practically and critically appreciate the theoretical contexts that inform different world theatre practices 

• be informed about the wider world of theatre and begin to understand and appreciate the many cultural contexts within which theatre is created

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Theatre in Process
This area of the syllabus will address the exploration of the skills, techniques and processes involved in theatre-making. You will reflect on your own creative processes and skills acquisition as well as gaining a practical understanding of the processes of others; creators, designers, directors and performers.

Through the theatre processes area, you will:  

• be informed about the various processes involved in making theatre from the perspectives of the specialist theatre roles (creator, designer, director and performer)

• observe and reflect on processes used in different theatre traditions and performance practices

• develop a range of skills required to make and participate in theatre.

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Presenting Theatre

This area of the syllabus addresses the staging and presentation of theatre as well as the presentation of ideas, research and discoveries through diverse modes of presentation, both practical and written. You will consider the impact theatre can have on the spectator. They are encouraged to think about their own artistic intentions as creators, designers, directors and performers and the impact they wish to have on an audience.

Through the presenting theatre area, you will:

• apply your practical theatre skills, either individually or collaboratively, through a range of formats

• present your ideas about theatre and take part in theatre performances

• understand and appreciate how artistic choices can impact on an audience. 

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You will be required to approach these areas from the perspectives of each of the following specialist theatre roles:

• Creator

• Designer

• Director

• Performer