The document provides guidance for students writing an extended essay in theatre. It explains that the essay allows students to undertake independent research on a topic of their choice and apply skills to develop a focused research question about theatre. Sources should support the student's own analysis rather than rely solely on textbooks. The essay should have a narrow, well-focused research question to allow for in-depth analysis rather than breadth. Examples of possible topics are then provided, including a study on how fabrics and lighting can contribute to creating magical effects in a production of Shakespeare's The Tempest.