Drama and Theatre Studies
Our vibrant Drama A Level is the perfect choice for anyone who loves performing and exploring how theatre brings ideas to life. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and designed to help you grow as a confident performer and critical thinker.
The course is inspiring and challenging, blending hands-on creativity with academic depth. You’ll develop new skills and gain a deeper understanding of how performances are created. From mastering devising to analysing scripts and interpreting characters from classical and contemporary plays, you’ll explore the diverse ways theatre can communicate powerful stories and ideas.
What’s special about Drama at Varndean College?
- You’ll take part in exciting theatre trips, including visits to world-class London stages.
- You’ll learn to critique professional productions and analyse performances to understand what makes them work.
- You’ll work on a number of group projects, creating original pieces and tackling exceptional contemporary scripts to develop your acting, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills.
- Throughout the course, you’ll build your confidence, improve your communication, and learn to express yourself in new and powerful ways.
How does the course work?
- Component 1: Theatre Workshop (20%) – Create, adapt, and perform your own original theatre piece, keeping a detailed record of your creative process.
- Component 2: Text in Action (40%) – Perform a scripted piece with your group. Devise an original drama inspired by a stimulus and reflect on your work in a written report.
- Component 3: Text in Performance (40%) – Written exam on three set texts, where you’ll analyse and interpret scripts through the lens of a director, designer or actor, making reference to live theatre seen.
- If you’re passionate about theatre, ready to work hard, and excited to collaborate with like-minded students, this course is for you! Join us and be part of our dynamic Drama community at Varndean.
Ella Nettleton
After studying at Varndean College I went on to University to continue to focus on theatre and the arts, in the 14 years since I left Varndean I have turned those studies into a full time career specialising in Arts Marketing. After working at Brighton Fringe in my early 20’s I went onto work at Edinburgh Fringe for four years before returning to Brighton to work at Brighton Dome for two years. Now, I am the Senior Marketing Manager at The National Theatre where I have been for the past three years, after starting off as a Marketing Officer during the pandemic. Here I work on award winning productions, collaborating with creatives to produce exciting and seminal pieces of theatre. Which is all I ever wanted to do (I even wrote my dissertation about the NT).
I wouldn’t have embarked on my career journey without the guidance and education I received at Varndean College. I learnt how to work hard with focus and passion (and have fun), I always felt that those passions could become a career thanks to the encouragement bestowed by the brilliant team in the Drama Department. I chose to go to Varndean many years ago now, and that decision was a pivotal moment that really defined the past decade of my life. Thanks to my education at Varndean not only do I have a job that I LOVE, but I have friends, connections and a network that have supported me along the way.
Studied: Drama Studies, Performing Arts, English Literature, Modern History
Progression: Goldsmiths University
Course Essentials
Courses Available
A Level
PLUS
OR
How The Course is Assessed
60% practical coursework, 40% written exam
Career Pathways
The course gives a thorough preparation for students entering Higher Education or employment, developing creative thinking and independent learning skills alongside practical skills in theatre and drama. Many students progress to drama related degrees, at both University and Drama Schools, whilst others go on to study degrees such as Law, Psychology, Film Studies, English and History. The course helps create independent students, critical thinkers and effective decision-makers – qualities which can make students stand out as they progress through education and into employment.
Transferable Skills
A level Drama and Theatre develops a number of transferable skills; research, independence, teamwork, critical analysis, communication and presentation skills; time management; problem solving, drive and determination, IT skills.
Other Information
You will be taught by Nicky and Sian, both classically trained performers, teachers and theatre practitioners with many years of experience in the industry. You must be prepared to commit to practical acting workshops, researching cultural contexts, writing essays and workbooks, attending rehearsals and going on theatre visits. Expect to spend around £100 per year on visits.
Enquiries To
Nicky Jones: nlj@varndean.ac.uk
Sian Hutchinson: shh@varndean.ac.uk
Enrichments
School of Drama
Every student involved in performing arts or drama or related courses and enrichments also get to participate in our School of Drama. This is a vibrant hub for all things related to the performing arts. Designed to inspire and challenge aspiring artists. Twice a year, in December and May, we host lively Assemblies that bring together students, faculty, and industry professionals to celebrate achievements, showcase exciting opportunities, and foster creative connections. These gatherings are more than just events—they’re a chance to network with like-minded individuals, spark new collaborations, and build lasting relationships that could shape your artistic future. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, partnerships, or just a moment to reflect on your progress, the School of Drama Assemblies are the perfect platform to elevate your artistic journey.
The Drama Society Yr 1
The Drama Society (Y1) is an exciting opportunity to dive into the world of performance and storytelling! Open to all first-year students as part of the timetabled enrichment programme, this dynamic group provides a welcoming space to unleash your creativity. Through hands-on activities and innovative approaches to text, you’ll build skills, confidence, and connections with like-minded peers. The journey culminates in a thrilling performance for a specially invited audience in June—a chance to shine on stage and showcase your talent! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just curious to explore drama, the Drama Society promises an unforgettable experience. In previous years we have performed Two, Jim Cartwright and a devised piece entitled ‘The Detention’. This year we are working on a multimedia production reimagining the play CHAOS, Laura Lomas.
The Drama Society Yr 2
The Drama Society (Year 2) is your backstage pass to the world of performing arts! Tailored for aspiring actors and industry hopefuls, our lunchtime drop-in sessions are the perfect platform to elevate your craft. From uncovering powerful monologues to refining your audition skills, we’re here to help you shine.
This year, we’re thrilled to announce our Christmas Showcase, a chance to dazzle on stage and share your talent with an audience. Whether you’re dreaming of Drama School, the West End, or simply honing your skills, the Drama Society is where your journey begins. Don’t miss out—your spotlight awaits!
Stage Production
Stage Production Workshops is an enrichment available for all students, offering you hands-on workshops that throw you straight into the heart of live performances! As part of the dynamic backstage team, you’ll master essential skills like stage lighting, sound cue operation, and the art of managing and maintaining stage sets and props. You won’t just be learning – you’ll be doing, gaining real-world experience in a supportive, creative environment.
In the first term, you’ll build a solid foundation through immersive workshops, learning the ins and outs of the technical world behind the curtain. By term two, you’ll take on the role of an independent stage crew member, contributing to live productions and events, and feeling the buzz of responsibility as you bring a show to life.
This is more than just training – it’s about developing teamwork, honing transferable skills, and taking ownership of your craft and resources. Plus, you’ll be creating a portfolio to showcase your growth, whether you’re eyeing employment or planning to continue your studies in higher education. The skills you’ll gain here are not just for the stage – they’re the kind of expertise that will set you up for success in a range of industries! Each year we have had students progressing to a course or employment in technical theatre from the experience gained on this course.
Staff Profiles
Steve Bates
Steve is the Assistant Head of School for the Creative Arts at Varndean College, with a background in fine art and set design. He has contributed to large-scale productions, including West End musicals and Glyndebourne Opera, and has exhibited his work both nationally and internationally. For the past decade, Steve has also been a dedicated teacher of Acting, seamlessly blending his real-world experience from the stage and behind the scenes with his teaching.
His deep understanding of production, design, and performance gives students a unique, hands-on perspective of the creative process, equipping them for success in the competitive world of theatre and beyond.
Sian Hutchinson
Sian teaches on the A Level and BTEC courses. She trained at The Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 2003. She is a member of the Old Vic New Voices. Her one woman show ‘Clutching at Straws’ was nominated for ‘The Funny Women Award’. As part of the comedy duo ‘Barry&Sian’, they won 2 Awards and were finalists in the Leicester Square Sketch Off Competition. She has recently come back from a successful run of her award winning solo show ‘Tick My Box’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024. Current projects include recording a podcast with Dark Unicorn Productions, writing a part verbatim/ part devised immersive theatre piece with local company Lamb Comedy Productions and reworking ‘Tick My Box’ into a sitcom setting. Sian has previously been a visiting examiner for Edexcel practical exams and has now been accepted as an examiner for Eduqas.
Nicky Jones
Nicky has been teaching at Varndean since 2000, balancing this with a busy and successful career as an actor, writer, director, and producer. A graduate of Rose Bruford College, her early career focused on creating solo theatre shows, including Janis (2000–2009), which earned her the Best Female Performer Award at the Brighton Fringe and a nomination for Best Solo Performance from The Stage at the Edinburgh Fringe. As a director, Nicky has led numerous professional site-specific productions, such as The Importance of Being Earnest and Dario Fo’s Open Couple. She also co-adapted and directed The Marlowe Papers by Ros Barber. Nicky specialises in Directing solo shows and a career highlight was working alongside Sir Arnold Wesker. For over ten years Nicky was the Artistic Director for one of the largest Brighton Fringe venues. She also works as an examiner for Eduqas.
Alumni Success
Georgie Johnson
Progression: BA Acting (Hons) at Leeds Conservatoire
She said, “The performing arts course was such a safe place to be creative, to learn, but also to have fun. Looking back it was the perfect bridge between youth theatre and Drama school/ professional acting. I loved how practical it was and the range of classical to modern material we covered”.
Joe Bolland
Joe says, “I had such a great time on the Performing Arts and Drama A Level courses at Varndean. It’s a place for discovering what you love about acting, in a playful and detailed way, and made me realise acting should be taken seriously as a career. It prepared me so well for my three years training at Guildhall, and for professional work on stage and in TV afterwards. Nicky is such a great teacher, and it’s been great catching up at shows since! I am currently in the West End doing the Play That Goes Wrong.”
Ella Nettleton
Studied: Drama Studies, Performing Arts, English Literature, Modern History
Progression: Goldsmiths University
After studying at Varndean College I went on to University to continue to focus on theatre and the arts, in the 14 years since I left Varndean I have turned those studies into a full time career specialising in Arts Marketing. After working at Brighton Fringe in my early 20’s I went onto work at Edinburgh Fringe for four years before returning to Brighton to work at Brighton Dome for two years. Now, I am the Senior Marketing Manager at The National Theatre where I have been for the past three years, after starting off as a Marketing Officer during the pandemic. Here I work on award winning productions, collaborating with creatives to produce exciting and seminal pieces of theatre. Which is all I ever wanted to do (I even wrote my dissertation about the NT).
I wouldn’t have embarked on my career journey without the guidance and education I received at Varndean College. I learnt how to work hard with focus and passion (and have fun), I always felt that those passions could become a career thanks to the encouragement bestowed by the brilliant team in the Drama Department. I chose to go to Varndean many years ago now, and that decision was a pivotal moment that really defined the past decade of my life. Thanks to my education at Varndean not only do I have a job that I LOVE, but I have friends, connections and a network that have supported me along the way.