Clifton College Website
Theatre Studies
One of the main goals of the Drama Department at Clifton is to provide all of our students with the opportunity to improve their self-confidence and
communication skills as well as giving them a firm foundation in various aspects of performance. We aim to deliver a programme that is both challenging
and enriching, with considerable emphasis placed on the collaborative nature of the performing arts. An exciting range of opportunities are available for
students to become involved in all aspects of theatre art and the College has a reputation for presenting school productions of the highest calibre.
Teaching
In 2006 the Drama Department moved to a new home next to the Redgrave Theatre. There is a second Drama studio located in Hallwards House and the Pritchard
Room is an additional, slightly larger, venue for rehearsals and movement work. The Redgrave Theatre provides an excellent venue for a range of school
performances and two professional technicians support the development of technical skills within the theatre.
Drama forms part of the core curriculum for all students entering the College, reflecting the College’s commitment to educating the whole person. The
programme allows students to examine a range of social, moral and cultural issues and explore their own responses to them through performance.
Drama is a popular option at GCSE (AQA Drama and Theatre Arts) and increasing numbers of students are choosing to follow the Theatre Studies courses offered
at AS and A2 level.
Co-curricular Activities
In addition to the main productions that take place within the school calendar, there are a number of other Drama activities that encourage students to enjoy
exploring the challenges of performance and learn more about the theatre. LAMDA is thriving and 90% of entrants received Distinctions and Merits last year; 2008
figures are equally impressive.
As part of Clifton in the Community, our 'Theatre In Education' group travels to local primary schools to stage short performances for younger students.
Students are also encouraged to get involved in technical work in the Redgrave Theatre.
The academic curriculum is supported by an extensive calendar of theatre visits including regular trips to London, Stratford and a range of theatres in
Bristol and Bath. The region has a flourishing theatre scene and our students are encouraged to experience a broad range of theatrical forms for personal
enrichment and to support their curriculum studies.
Productions
Various productions are staged each year within the College. The main school production is in November and rehearsals take place through the first eight weeks of
the Michaelmas term.
In the Lent term, the House Drama Festival sees each house mounting a full-scale dramatic piece, directed, supported and acted entirely by pupils: ten
productions in all, and usually involving approximately half the student body.
The Junior play is performed at Commemoration weekend (the end of May) and is for pupils in their first two years in the Upper School. There are also
opportunities for GCSE and A level students to perform devised and scripted pieces at various points throughout the year.
House Play Festival 2008
© 2006 Clifton College
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