Learning about the stage, collaboration and life
The word ‘drama’ has its roots in Greek meaning ‘to act’ and ‘to do’.
Learning dramatic technique builds confidence and articulacy, spontaneity and presence, enabling any pupil to act and do more effectively. Drama is the ultimate team game. Any production is a collaborative process, learning to work together to a common goal. The study of drama involves the study of acting, art, directing, music and writing. It also touches upon history, psychology and even religion. To learn about drama is to learn about life.
DRAMA SCHOOL
Drama facilities are excellent. The College Theatre seats 284 and is at the heart of the school. It is used throughout the year for College productions and a full programme of visiting professional productions. The Le Brocq Studio seats 120 and is used for day-to-day teaching, smaller productions and presentations. The outdoor Dell Theatre seats 90, while the Jennifer Winn Auditorium in the Birley Centre also provides a versatile space with an acoustically designed 160-seater auditorium with sprung floor.
The academic drama department delivers a Year 9 programme to all pupils. Drama is a popular option at GCSE and A-level.
The academic course is geared towards the study of drama, but the highlight for most drama pupils is the practical work. A-level productions at the end of the Lent term alongside GCSE performances in the summer term are of an extraordinarily high standard, with many pupils opting to be assessed for design elements including set, costume, lighting and sound, resulting in polished performances with very high production values. The aim is not only to entertain an audience but to provide thought-provoking presentations too.
Beyond the Classroom
The College has enjoyed a long and distinguished reputation for drama productions which involve pupils from all year groups or houses.
Every pupil in their first term at the school walks the stage in the annual Year 9 House Drama Festival that involves a wide range of styles and genres. Most recently scenes from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Grimm Tales and Revolting Rhymes.
We also run a year 9 and 10 Drama club where pupils can explore making their own theatre, rehearse scripted scenes and backstage roles, ranging from prop design and set making, to lighting and sound.
All pupils have the opportunity to be involved with the major production in the Michaelmas term. Each year we alternate between a play and a musical. Previous productions include A Chorus Line, A Christmas Carol Evita, Macbeth, School of Rock, Les Misérables, Sweeney Todd, Blue Stockings and most recently Guys and Dolls.
The summer term sees the Dell Theatre come to life, with the outdoor space being used for rehearsals (and sometimes lessons), as well as preparations for the Dell Festival. The Dell Festival is a chance for prep-schools to use the outdoor theatre, as well as for our own year 9s and 12s to take part in a summer showcase.
The College Theatre also features as an important venue on the small-scale professional touring circuit. College Theatre supports a wide-ranging programme of professional companies, many of whom offer workshops to accompany their performances.
ARTS AWARD
The College also offers Arts Awards to give pupils an exciting new creative qualification. Sixth formers can follow a creative path in a number of different directions and whichever route they choose to follow, be it via art, dance, design, drama, music, photography or textiles, they are supported by an adviser and creative mentor.
Recent OE TV, film and stage roles
Michael Praed: 42nd Street (UK Tour 2023-2024), Not Going Out (2017), Emmerdale (2016-2019), The Sound of Music (UK Tour 2009-2011), Casualty (2002)
Ed Speleers: You Season 4 (2023), Outlander (2018-2020), Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016), Beowulf (2016), Downton Abbey (2012-2014)
Ben Deery: Baldur’s Gate III (2023), A Street Cat Named Bob (2016), And Then There Were None (2016), Call The Midwife (2015)
Hugh Skinner: The Importance of Being Earnest (National Theatre 2024-25) Mamma Mia! Here we go again (2018), W1A (2017) The Windsors (2016), Poldark (2016), Fleabag (2016–2019)
"Drama is like life but with the dull bits cut out"
