Drama is an integral part of the pupils’ weekly curriculum, with additional opportunities for performance during the year. Standards are very high and a huge amount of time and thought goes into the vision and planning of every show. Many pupils find performing in a play or working backstage one of the most enriching and formative parts of their time at the Under School. Some are even inspired to pursue their interest outside of School.
For children in Year 7 and 8 who are interested in the technical aspects of a production, such as lighting and sound, a team of Theatre Technicians is recruited to support a production. Our Lighting and Sound Technician, teaches them the skills required of a Stage Management team. For example, in one production, we had a crew of six taking responsibility as Lighting Operator, Sound Operator, and four Stage Managers organising the movement of set and props during scene changes.
The School houses a well-equipped studio theatre with raked seating which enables pupils to experience working on shows with high production values. This year, Reception pupils will perform a Nativity play, Year 3 pupils will perform linked plays in their individual form groups, and Year 4 pupils will take part in a musical theatre production. Reception pupils will spend the second half of the Play term rehearsing for their Nativity performance in December, while Years 3 and 4 will rehearse their productions later in the academic year. Large-scale plays and musicals are offered as an extra-curricular option for pupils in Years 5 to 8, with roles cast through auditions.
