Download IB HL Theatre Syllabus 2014-2015

IB Higher Level (HL) Theatre
Margaret Berg
Room 43 (Black Box Theatre)
Office: Fine Arts Office, 1st floor
[email protected]
IB Theatre Course Outline
Theatre is a composite art that is forever evolving in new forms. It nourishes, sustains and extends the
human spirit. It is a means of exploring society and relationships within it. Through it, there may emerge
possibilities for individual and communal understanding. Theatre is about transformation. It is the
application, through play, of energy and imagination to frame, reflect, expose, critique and speculate.
These activities should engage and develop the sensibilities of all the students who participate in them.
By studying theatre, and engaging with it practically, students will discover how elusive, fascinating and
varied theatre can be.
Core syllabus (HL)
The theatre core syllabus at HL consists of three interrelated areas. Students are required to explore
these three areas from the perspective of dramaturg, director, performer, group ensemble, production
team and spectator.
Overarching Course Components
Theatre in the making
The focus of theatre in the making is on the process of theatre making rather than the presentation of
theatre. It encompasses the acquisition and development of all skills required to create, present and
observe theatre. It is exploratory in nature.
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Study two different stimuli and, from these, develop two actions plans for performance.
Theatre in performance
The focus of theatre in performance is on the application of skills developed in theatre in the making.
This involves students in various aspects of presenting theatre, where their practical skills can be applied
in different roles (as performers and as part of the production team), while also building upon the
knowledge they have acquired in other areas.
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Participate in at least three performances in three different roles/capacities.
Theatre in the world
The focus of theatre in the world is on a practical and theoretical exploration of a range of theatre
traditions and cultural practices around the world. It allows students to explore the origins and
traditions of a variety of theatre conventions and practices from diverse cultural and historical contexts.
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Study at least two contrasting theatrical practices.
Assessment Requirements
Higher level
External assessment 50%
Research investigation 25%
Students are required to produce a research investigation of 2,000–2,500 words with supporting visual
materials.
Practical performance proposal 25%
Students are required to produce a proposal of 250 words with supporting visual materials and a report
of 1,000–1,250 words.
Internal assessment 50%
Theatre performance and production presentation 25%
Students are required to do an oral presentation lasting 30 minutes with 7–10 images.
Independent project portfolio 25%
Students are required to produce a portfolio of 3,000 words on their independent project (either option
A or option B) and its connection to their experiences in the core syllabus.
The Journal
Although this is not directly assessed, it is an important part of the IB learner journey and students
should be writing in their journal at least 2-3 times a week.
Extended Essay
Students can chose if they so wish, to undertake a research essay into a topic of their own choice.
General Course Outline
Throughout the year we will be studying the following (subject to change):
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Reviewing forms of theatre such as Theatre of Cruelty, Epic Theatre, Absurdist, Comedy of
Manners and Kabuki
Adding additional international theatre forms such as Theatre Noh and Kathakali
Practical knowledge and skills specific to theatrical practices from around the world and/or from
different historical periods
Deeper study into acting theory and techniques
Incorporating study of Laban and Devising Theatre companies
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Dramaturgy
Directing
Textual analysis
Deeper emphasis on Technical Theatre and Design
Performance analysis
Playwriting and/or Screenwriting
Paths we choose to take
A comment from Ms. Berg
Higher Level IB Theatre requires that you take an independent leadership role in your areas of study.
You will be required to research, cast and stage pieces of work during class time, but also after school
and other times as necessary. There is a certain amount of freedom in undertaking this work, but also a
much deeper sense of ownership and learning. It is going to be a fun and challenging year!
Daily participation and attendance is crucial for success in IB Theatre. If you ever have any questions or
concerns, please feel free to talk to me and we will make sure that you are successful. Beyond that,
have fun, work hard and welcome back to a higher level of IB Theatre Arts!