Drama and Theatre Studies

Drama is thriving at Dauntsey's,
but recent showcase successes like the musical "Just So" and Dauntsey's Edinburgh Festival production "Assassins" tell only part of the story.

It begins in the first and second forms, where drama is a timetabled subject. Here key drama skills and techniques are integrated into the curriculum.

Students then opt to take GCSE Drama and can go on to study at AS and A2 levels, taking advantage of a range of facilities and expertise within the department.

Major productions throughout the year

Look out for the new look drama website - launching soon!

Annabel's Studio is one of the main teaching areas for drama at Dauntsey's. It is equipped with lighting and sound facilities and will comfortably seat an audience of approximately 50-60. The space is entirely flexible, and recently pieces have been staged with a huge variety of audience configurations.

The Annabel's Studio, set up for a recent production of 'Season's Greetings '

The department also has an extensive library of contemporary and classical plays, works of major theorists and other theatre related literature. Costumes, masks and properties for use in teaching and in productions are also stored in the department.

Drama in the classroom

Drama is offered to pupils in years one and two in the form of a double lesson every week. The sessions are practically based and offer a wide range of experience to the pupils.

Drama GCSE is also offered and is a popular choice as a fourth-form option. The syllabus offers a good balance of practical and text based work. The variety of tasks set is challenging but offers a wide range of skills and knowledge.

Theatre studies is offered at AS and A2. This course provides the opportunity to continue from GCSE or start from scratch. Both practical and theoretical aspects of the course are balanced equally and offer a varied range of material to work from.

Candidates have the opportunity to specialise in acting, lighting, set design or costume design for their practical assessed work.

Theatre trips are an essential component of GCSE and A-level courses, and the range of visits we offer is designed to give pupils a broad and inspiring range of theatrical experiences.

School Productions

Drama at Dauntsey's is not just restricted to the classroom; every term there is an exciting range of school productions. Pupils from all age groups gain the chance to participate in these plays, both on the stage and behind the scenes.

As well as acting, these productions provide opportunities to learn about stage management, lighting and sound. The school's impressive technical equipment includes fully automated computerised lighting systems and a programmable sound desk. Tuition is provided 'on the job' by our in-house technician.

Drama Club

An afternoon Drama Club runs on a Monday for juniors. This provides a fun atmosphere for pupils to extend the skills and knowledge they have acquired in class.

Click here for latest upcoming production

Recent

Productions

Click on an image for photos and reviews: