Drama

The Drama Department seeks to offer a varied and engaging range of performance and technical opportunities that excite and challenge both our students and audience members alike.

We are dedicated to providing professional standard training for those interested in and committed to developing their artistic and collaborative skills as well as their knowledge of the theatre. This training can be further extended by taking Speech and Drama lessons (at an additional cost).

Programme of Productions:

For each year group production, auditions are open to all students in that year and acceptance onto a production is not dependent on whether a student is taking the subject at GCSE or A Level.

This year, the Drama Department will be producing a number of shows across the Junior and Senior School.

Autumn Term: Year 10 - Sixth Form Musical; Year 3 Christmas Production

Spring Term: Year 9 Production

Summer Term: Year 6 workshop, Year 7 and 8 Shakespeare Workshop and Festival

In addition, all Junior School year groups will have the opportunity to take part in performance opportunities throughout the year. Years 4 and 5 also participate in a number of drama and performance workshops in collaboration with Bedford Prep School.

Productions are selective following a formal audition process and focus on the development of students’ acting, design and collaborative abilities. We offer backstage opportunities so that students can deepen their overall understanding of theatre design and their experience of the whole production process.

Rehearsals:

Main rehearsals take place weekly directly after school with some lunchtimes used for smaller scale rehearsals. The rehearsal schedule is posted at the end of the week and emailed to the cast so that any clashes or unforeseen issues can be raised in good time before a rehearsal is due to take place. Specific rehearsal days and times will vary according to each production and the availability of the director and the chosen cast.

Every effort is made by the Drama Department to ensure that the production process is an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for the cast and crew involved and that students are supported in balancing their other commitments alongside the demands of putting on a

successful show. Therefore, all key rehearsal dates at which students must be present, such as the Technical and Dress Rehearsals and any weekend rehearsals, are given to students at the start of the rehearsal process and emailed to parents. In committing to the show, students and their parents agree and understand that the cast are required to attend these rehearsals without fail (barring an emergency or illness). In the two weeks before and during production week, the rehearsals intensify and parents should expect that their daughters may be required on a number of evenings.

Trips:

We offer a number of theatre trips to extend our students’ awareness and experience of Theatre.

Clubs:

For Years 7 and 8: A weekly Drama Club is run to enrich drama knowledge and develop skills as well as to build confidence.

For Year 9 and above: Theatre Crew runs each week and is led by our Drama and Events and Theatre Design Technicians. This club aims to grow skills in theatre design and technical operation and they learn about lighting, sound, costume, props and set. They are then offered the opportunity to provide technical support to a number of our productions throughout the year so they can develop their practice further.

Speech and Drama:

Speech and Drama lessons take place throughout the school day on a rotational timetable with some lessons taking place before school. The lessons allow the students to develop their communication skills, selfconfidence, and appreciation of literature. Each year students have the opportunity to take part in Festivals of Music, Speech and Drama and can enter for graded examinations with the London Academy of Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Sixth Formers have the opportunity to arrange their lessons during their free periods at a mutually convenient time. If you would like your daughter to take individual or group lessons, and have not already registered your interest, please complete an online application form.