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Why study drama?
Do you enjoy performing? Are you a bit of an exhibitionist? Or do you just love to see a good story acted out on stage or screen? If this sounds like you, drama could be the perfect choice.
Studying drama isn’t just about acting – it helps you develop confidence, communication skills, and a deep understanding of human emotions and relationships.
Paired with the right subjects, it can help you develop skills which will impress employers and help you succeed in your career.
‘Drama isn’t just about acting – it’s a great way to develop confidence, communication skills and even an understanding of human behaviour’
What is drama?
Drama is the art of storytelling through performance. It involves acting, stagecraft, and directing – and you will learn about all of these aspects if you study it at GCSE or A-level. You’ll learn how to portray different characters, interpret scripts and create powerful performances that engage audiences.
In drama, you will:
- Learn the history and techniques of theatre and performance.
- Develop your acting skills, from voice projection to body language.
- Understand the technical aspects of stage production, such as lighting, sound, and set design.
- Work with others in an ensemble to create collaborative performances.
What employability skills will I get?
Studying drama gives you the technical skills to pursue careers across all aspects of performing arts – whether that’s on stage, behind the scenes or in the writers’ room.
It equips you with skills in communication, interacting with other people and public speaking – abilities which will help you across many industries and professions.
Skills you will learn by studying drama include:
- Creativity – you’ll bring scripts and characters to life, developing original ideas and putting your own interpretation on the works you perform.
- Communication – drama teaches you to express thoughts, emotions and ideas clearly, whether on stage or in group discussion.
- Teamwork – rehearsing and performing with others builds trust and teaches you how to collaborate to create a shared outcome.
- Physical dexterity – you’ll use movement, gesture and timing to control how you perform, building coordination and body awareness.
- Technical skills – behind the scenes, you’ll explore lighting, sound, costume and set design, gaining practical production experience.
These skills aren’t just valuable in the performing arts – they will stand you in good stead whatever career you pursue.
What subjects does drama go with?
Drama goes well with a range of subjects – have a think about what you’d like to do with your GCSE or A-levels, whether that’s the next stage of your education or the first steps into your career.
If you’d like to do something active, the physical dimension of drama pairs well with PE as both subjects focus on the body’s capabilities, helping you develop your coordination, motor skills, strength and agility.
If you’re drawn to performance, music may make a good match – or dance if your school or college offers it. These are both subjects which encourage you to think about how a performance comes across to an audience, and the different ways a work can be interpreted.
If it’s the literary side you’re interested in, English literature may make a good pairing. In English, you will explore texts, focusing more closely on the language and its effects than the performance aspect. Drama and English complement each other nicely if you’re thinking of studying either subject at university or considering a career in media or the performing arts.
Perhaps it’s the human aspect of drama you’re fascinated by. In this case, sociology or psychology may make good matches. These are subjects which encourage you to think about how people relate in society and what motivates their actions.
As drama is not seen as an academic subject, we suggest you take a facilitating subject at A-level alongside drama to keep your options open.
What degrees do I need drama for?
Drama A-level is usually required if you want to go on to study drama, theatre studies or theatre production at university or drama school.
It is also useful for degrees in film and media studies and creative writing. Although it’s not typically required, it will help you get onto a course and will give you a useful background in these areas.
What apprenticeships is drama useful for?
There are lots of apprenticeship programmes in the performing arts and media – here are a few examples which studying drama at school may help with:
- Camera prep technician – Make sure camera equipment is ready for shoots, helping productions run smoothly behind the scenes.
- Costume technician – stage and screen – Create and maintain costumes for actors, using sewing and design skills to support the visual storytelling.
- Creative industries production manager – Oversee creative projects from planning to delivery, keeping schedules, teams and budgets on track.
- Post-production technical operator – Help edit and finish films and shows by managing sound, visuals and effects after filming ends.
- Production assistant – screen and audio – Support filming or recording by organising equipment, helping on set and assisting the crew.
What careers can drama lead to?
A background in drama can lead to a wide range of careers, not just on the stage or screen, but also behind the scenes or in other fields that loon for creative and communication skills.
Skills such as teamwork and communication – coupled with the confidence drama nurtures – are valued in areas such as sales, marketing, business and even finance. This skillset will also help you perform well in roles which include an element of customer service.
Roles you could consider include:
- Actor
- Camera operator
- Costume designer
- Lighting technician
- Production assistant
- Scriptwriter
- Stage manager
- Theatre stagehand
- Theatre/television designer
- Video producer
Top five Career Zones to explore:
- Art & Design
- Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations
- Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism
- Performing Arts
- Publishing & Media
