Drama

• LAMDA
• Productions

LAMDA

The LAMDA programme has been running for 4 years and now involves over a third of the Prep School children.  Lessons are taught in pairs or individually and take place during the school day (as with instrumental music classes).  There is a charge for these lessons which is added to the school bill at the end of each term.  Examination sessions are held termly and in the last year over 80% of the candidates received Distinctions. 

LAMDA is a fantastic way for children to develop self-belief and confidence.  These skills have been clearly demonstrated in many areas of school life and LAMDA pupils are now easily distinguishable in both presentations in the classroom and on the theatre stage.

Productions

Year 3 & 4
This is a small-scale work involving singing and acting on a basic level.  Performances take place in the Music School with a simple set and costume design.  The main focus is on experiencing elements of a full-scale production, such as rehearsal techniques and delivery of lines without being overawed by the lights, sound etc. of the main theatre.  Past productions have included Ocean Commotion, The Jungle Book and the Emerald Crown.  This year the production will take place during the Summer term.

Year 5 & 6
This is a full-scale work usually involving singing, acting and dance.  Performances take place in the Bury Theatre with full set, costume and make-up designs.  Those wishing to be considered for principle parts go through a very basic audition process however every child in the two year groups takes part.  The focus of this production is on ensemble technique and performing on the stage space.  There are also opportunities to work backstage.  Past Productions have included:  Stormy Cliff, Honk Jr!, Alice in Wonderland Jr and The Pirates of Penzance..   The production will take place in the Lent term and this year will be Aladdin Jr.

Year 7 & 8
This is a full-scale work which is now on a three year rotation of Musical, Play and Contemporary Work.  Performances take place in the Bury Theatre with full set, costume and make-up designs.  The production is fully auditioned with the emphasis being committing to the project from beginning to end and delivering a polished performance.  There are also opportunities to work back-stage, in make-up, as part of the technical team, in front of house and publicity.  Past productions have included: The Wind in the Willows, Annie and The Tempest.  The production takes place in the Michaelmas Term and this year was Seussical.

Scholars
This is a small-scale work which gives the Drama Scholarship candidates or those with a focus on the performing arts, an opportunity to perform in a more intimate setting.  Performances take place in the Drama Studio with a set and costume design to fit the needs of the piece.  The focus of the production is very much on enhancing performance techniques and deeper character development.  There are also opportunities to direct, lead the technical team and stage manage.  Past productions have included: Carrie’s War, The Return of the Dream Catcher and The Children's Crusade.  This year the production will take place at the end of the Lent term.