Drama is a compulsory element of the curriculum for the First to Third Year and a popular choice at GCSE and A level. The department has three full time members of staff, a full time technician and a dedicated gap student. Classes take place in the Black Studio (T4), where the dept offices and costume and props store are also located, and in the Amanda Smith Theatre and foyer. All three spaces have lighting and sound facilities. The theatre itself is equipped to a professional level of specification with 96 lighting channels(24 dedicated to the foyer), an extensive stock of luminaires, a fully programmable lighting board, a sound rack with two Cd players, voice effects processor, flash card recorder/player, projector, and a flexible stock of Steeldeck staging.

There are two major school productions each year. The Senior School Production is open to years 4-6 and takes place either in December or February (Recent productions have included The Crucible, Thyestes, Justice Without Revenge), the Lower School Production is open to Years 1-3 and takes place in June (Recent productions have included The Adventures of Mr Toad, Just William, Room 63).  In addition to these we take part in the Shakespeare Schools Festival where a group of 3rd and 4th year students stage an abridged version of a Shakespeare play at the College and at a designated regional theatre (A Midsummer Night's Dream, As You Like It). The Aspire programme for 5th and 6th years usually culminates in a performance of a student directed production of a play of their choice; recent productions have been What the Butler Saw, Attempts on her Life, and George Dandin.

The Lower School Drama Club meets on a Tuesday after school until 5.30pm. There are two groups for 1st and 2nd years. Work during the first term usually culminates in an informal showing of pieces before Christmas. A group for third years begins after half term of the Christmas term and is run on a Friday after school. Drama club does not run in the summer term as attention turns towards rehearsals for the Lower School Production and the Shakespeare Festival.

Technical theatre club runs on Monday lunchtime and is open to the first year. The students work with older students (former club members) to learn to operate sound and lighting equipment. Many students then go on to design and operate sound and lighting for the school productions and for AS, A2 and GCSE practical exams.

Tuition for LAMDA examination is available for Acting and Devised Performance (solo or pairs) and Speaking of Verse and Prose and Public Speaking (solo). Three visiting professionals offer these specialised classes and exams take place in February and June with a showcase performance in the theatre in the Christmas term.

Through the Dance Company 'Charlie's Works,' a range of Dance lessons in Street Jazz and ISTD Modern are open to all years and take place in the theatre studio during lunchtime and after school.

Find out more

If you require further information please contact the Drama Department on our direct line 01932 839367.