Theatre Studies

THEATRE POST-A LEVEL

On this page you will find a variety of resources to help you prepare for your transition to the most exciting degree in the world.

They are not in a particular order, so feel free to browse and choose your own.

You will find videos, recommended reading and links to theatre companies whose work you should know.

Good luck and keep in touch!

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE

This is an American introduction to theatre degrees. it starts off with very basic information then picks up and takes towards more interesting concepts later on. In this, it reflects the sort of lead-in many universities take in Term 1.

CRASH COURSE THEATRE

This is the first in 50 short videos which capture the essence of a huge range of theatrical topics in a few minutes. They are fast, funny and a great place to start your explorations of new areas. Try the Expressionism one, for example.

GECKO THEATRE COMPANY

Popular with A Level and undergrads, Gecko make witty, physically-driven theatre. Here's a show of theirs to give you a taste: The Time of Your Life.

DV8 THEATRE COMPANY

They are the most original and ground-breaking physical theatre company in the world. They emphasise gay issues and embrace performers with disabilities. The spin-off and way-too-famous to bother mentioning (and maybe too over-exposed for you to sound impressive at University) Frantic Assembly draw heavily on DV8.

This is an introduction. Search 'em out! Look especially for Enter Achilles and Strange Fish. Old but awesome.

THEATRE COMPLICITE

Simon Burney's extraordinary, multinational company which continues to break barriers and which emphasises visual elements to tell a story. This is a great interview with the Guardian. If you only look at one company - go here. They are very grown up, sophisticated and powerful.

It's followed by a flavour of their work from Street of Crocodiles