Drama outside the curriculum involves a large number of pupils each year. The Drama Department mounts three major productions: the School Play in November, the Penny Reading in March and the Shell Play in the Summer Term. The cast for the latter is drawn exclusively from Year 9 pupils, whilst the School Play and Penny Reading are drawn from all year groups. There is no exclusive Drama “club” – all plays are cast by open audition.
Exacting standards of performance and production are set, and the choice of plays is deliberately eclectic, encouraging performers and audiences alike to engage with a wide range of subject, tone and theatrical style.
In addition, pupil-directed productions are encouraged. A particularly attractive opportunity for pupils to produce, direct and even write their own work is provided by the Summer Term’s House Play Festival, in which the quality of performance and production is frequently most impressive.
An important stimulus for the College’s drama comes from the regular visits by leading professional touring companies both from Britain and abroad, and from workshops by specialists in particular fields. Recent master classes have been given in puppetry, clowning and the intriguing Japanese theatre form, Noh.