IB Theatre

Applications Open: 1/11/25

Applications Close: 31/7/26

Entry Requirements: - See individual courses

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

The Theatre course in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

The IB Diploma Programme Theatre course is a multifaceted exploration of theatre-making that allows students to experience the art form as creators, designers, directors, and performers. The course develops both practical skills and theoretical understanding, emphasising creativity, collaboration, and cultural awareness.

Course Overview

Students engage with theatre through four key areas:

Staging Play Texts:

Students explore how play texts are transformed into live performance. They investigate how ideas are expressed through writing, design, and performance, and how theatre-makers can communicate meaning and intention to an audience.

Exploring World Theatre Traditions:

This component focuses on researching and experiencing theatre practices from a range of times, places, and cultures. Students undertake both academic and physical exploration of performance conventions and traditions to deepen their understanding of global theatre.

Collaboratively Creating Original Theatre:

Students work together as an ensemble to create original performances based on a chosen starting point. They learn how to develop shared intentions, use performance and production elements effectively, and realise a creative vision collaboratively.

Assessment Components

Internal Assessments (SL):

Production Proposal: Students design and present a proposal for staging a published play, showing understanding of performance and production choices.

(30% SL)

Collaborative Project: Students collaboratively create and perform an original piece of theatre, supported by a written project report and video recording.

(40% SL)

External Assessments:

Research Presentation: Students deliver a recorded presentation exploring a world theatre tradition, combining research with practical experimentation.

(30% SL )

Course Content

Staging Play Texts:

Text to Performance: Exploring how written plays are transformed into live theatre.

Interpretation: Analysing playwrights’ intentions and performance possibilities.

Production Elements: Applying design, staging, and directing techniques to realise a vision.

Exploring World Theatre Traditions:

Global Practices: Studying theatre traditions from diverse cultures and historical periods.

Performance Conventions: Experimenting with distinctive movement, voice, and staging techniques.

Research and Reflection: Conducting both academic and practical research to understand cultural contexts.

Collaboratively Creating Original Theatre:

Ensemble Work: Developing group-based theatre projects from an original starting point.

Devising Processes: Experimenting with improvisation, composition, and dramaturgy.

Creative Intention: Shaping performance elements to communicate meaning effectively.

Performing Theatre Theory (HL only):

Theoretical Exploration: Researching a theatre practitioner or theorist and their key ideas.

Application in Practice: Translating theory into live performance through a solo piece.

Critical Evaluation: Reflecting on how theory informs creative and performance choices.

Research and Inquiry:

Contextual Study: Investigating theatrical works, practitioners, and global influences.

Documentation: Recording and analysing processes, decisions, and outcomes.

Presentation: Communicating insights through written, visual, and oral forms.

Performance and Reflection:

Practical Realisation: Presenting both scripted and devised work to an audience.

Evaluation: Responding to feedback and analysing the effectiveness of performance.

Personal Growth: Developing confidence, creativity, and collaboration through artistic practice.

Social and Ethical Awareness:

Cultural Sensitivity: Exploring diverse perspectives and representations responsibly.

Theatre and Society: Understanding theatre’s role in expressing identity, ethics, and social change.

Intercultural Understanding: Appreciating global traditions and contemporary innovations.

Assessment Overview (Standard Level)

External Assessment

1. Research Presentation:

Students deliver and video record an individual research presentation (maximum 15 minutes) exploring a world theatre tradition they have not previously studied.

The presentation demonstrates understanding of the tradition’s performance conventions, cultural context, and practical techniques.

Students are assessed on their ability to research effectively, apply findings through practical experimentation, and communicate insights clearly.

(Weighting: 30%)

Internal Assessment

1. Production Proposal:

Students select a published play text that they have not previously studied and develop a theoretical and design proposal for staging the entire play.

The proposal outlines artistic intentions, directorial vision, and the use of production and performance elements to bring the play to life.

Work is presented as a combination of written text and supporting visuals (up to 12 pages, not exceeding 4,000 words).

(Weighting: 30%)

2. Collaborative Project:

Students work in small groups to create and perform an original piece of theatre (7–10 minutes) developed from a chosen starting point.

The project assesses students’ ability to collaborate, devise creatively, and realise a performance for an audience.

Each student submits a project report (up to 10 pages, not exceeding 4,000 words) and a video recording of the final piece.

(Weighting: 40%)

Assessment Criteria

Assessments are marked against IB-defined criteria focusing on four key areas:

Inquiry: The ability to conduct academic and physical research to inform theatre-making.

Development: The process of forming creative intentions and exploring ways to realise them effectively.

Presentation: Skill in communicating ideas through performance, design, or written documentation.

Evaluation: Reflection on artistic choices, feedback, and the effectiveness of theatre work.

Final Grades

The final grade for the course combines results from both internal and external assessments.

This balanced approach values both practical creativity and analytical understanding, ensuring students develop as reflective, imaginative, and collaborative theatre-makers.

5 GCSE at 9 - 4 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 4 in English and or Maths, including Computing

(Students that narrowly miss out on L3 entry requirements can still be accepted subject to decision of subject leader for the chosen course).

University and Higher Education Pathways:

IBDP Theatre students are well prepared to pursue degrees in areas such as:

Theatre, Drama, or Performing Arts – including acting, directing, stage management, and technical theatre.

Film, Media, or Television Production – applying storytelling and performance skills to screen-based work.

English, Literature, or Cultural Studies – exploring performance, narrative, and representation from an analytical perspective.

Education – specialising in drama education or creative pedagogy.

Event and Arts Management – combining creativity with leadership and organisational skills.

Career Opportunities:

The skills developed through theatre study are applicable in a broad range of creative and professional fields, including:

Performing arts (actor, director, designer, producer, stage manager)

Creative industries (film, television, radio, and digital media)

Communication and public relations

Teaching and education

Arts administration and cultural management

Community arts and social enterprise

Event planning and management

Marketing, journalism, and presentation-based careers