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Introducing Drama

We offer two drama disciplines, which we run side by side:

The Speaking of Verse and Prose: This requires a pupil to recite a poem and a piece of prose from a book and concentrates on vocal and facial expression. The background of the literature, the poetic form, the theory of vocal technique and knowledge of the authors are explored.

Acting: The student enacts two scenes from contrasting plays as if performing on a large stage. Vocal projection, clarity of speech, characterisation, and an understanding of the issues surrounding the play and it’s playwright are discussed.

We look at many different techniques that improve and inform great performance.

Improvisation: a skill which allows children to explore stories and situations which exist in their imaginations. A sentence, a title, a word, an emotion , an idea is suggested and the children create a piece of theatre through discussion, movement, mime or voice. This can be a group piece or a solo. It teaches children to think on their feet and react quickly to unexpected problems. It teaches children to trust themselves and their group peers and work towards an end result.

Stage technique: Learning the knowledge of stage terminology so that in an professional theatre, the pupils will understand a directors instruction. Exploring the rules which actors use to enable the audience to see and hear the actors clearly whilst looking totally natural within the textual environment.

Mime: A study of movement which can express inner thoughts without the use of words. An exaggerated physical skill which portrays a story or an emotion, clearly understood by an audience without narration or dialogue. Requires physical and facial exercise to execute to any standard.

Voice: Vocal and breath control exercises , which allows the actor to adapt the voice to small studio situations or a stage with a large auditorium.

Articulation: Exercises which improve the clarity of speech so that an actor can be easily understood at all times. This includes the use of dialect.

Choral Speech: Working in a large group of varied voices to instil listening skills, timing, vocal expression and vocal power.

Script: The study of plays and literature, enforcing the meaning of the author’s ideas and bringing the conviction of a character through to performance.

Pupils can be entered for LAMDA examinations (The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) in both disciplines. These exams are accredited by the education authority and carry points towards college and university entrance.