Drama forms a valuable part of community life at Forest with a large cohort of pupils who relish the opportunity to perform.
These performers work with outstanding teachers and visiting practitioners to develop their skills and their understanding of theatre. Academic drama is also thriving at Forest, this is shown through more pupils year on year opting to take our newly introduced theatre design routes at GCSE and A Level.
Co-Curricular Drama at Forest is both challenging and exciting. With two major productions each year, pupils are encouraged to take part as performers, production support or as audience members. We are passionate about upskilling our pupils and so they are introduced to a wide range of performance/technical skills and theatrical styles in order that they build their confidence and shape their ambitions. Pupils have participated in workshops with leading theatre companies and practitioners such as Complicite, Frantic Assembly, The Globe, Splendid and The Paper Birds.
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In addition, there are House Drama Competitions, the Scholars play, as well as a vast number of examination performances running throughout the academic year. Pupils in all these spheres are offered opportunities to develop their talents in acting, writing, directing or technical theatre. Drama at Forest always encourages pupils to take risks, and as a result, it develops pupils’ creativity, collaborative skills, and determination.
(IMAGES OF HOUSE DRAMA WOULD BE GREAT HERE)
The Deaton Theatre is home to the Department, which is supported by a Theatre Manager and a full-time technician. Pupils are trained in the operation and use of equipment and all performances are stage-managed by pupils. A variety of visiting professional companies and community groups also use the theatre. Among those we have welcomed The Paper Birds, Quirky Birds Theatre and Box Clever Theatre. We also take advantage of our proximity to Central London by offering theatre trips throughout the academic year. Recent trips include visiting Punchdrunk’s immersive production of The Burnt City and the critically acclaimed, Jerusalem at the Apollo Theatre.
Speech and Drama
Forest offers both Trinity and LAMDA exams in Speech and Drama, these both have a 100% pass rate with many pupils also achieving a Distinction (JUST WAITING FOR GLYINS TO CONFIRM THIS). As well as developing important transferable skills, the top grades also allow pupils to accrue UCAS points in support of their university applications.
Lessons are offered during the school day with specialist teachers – the skills taught are an excellent complement to academic drama and provide expert training opportunities for both accomplished and budding performers alike.
Activities
All students have access to specialist drama activities sessions during the co-curricular timetable. These are designed to embed key skills in performance skills, stage crew, puppetry/mask work and physical theatre to name but a few.
(AN IMAGE OF STUDENTS WORKING THE LIGHTING BOARD AND REHEARSING FLEABAG ON WEDNESDAY WOULD BE GOOD HERE)
Clubs
There are weekly clubs for pupils who wish to explore drama further where pupils will develop their performance skills, improve communication and social skills, build confidence and team working capabilities, all with a focus on self-expression and individuality.
"The general attitude within the department is to get involved, meaning that if you are a seasoned pro or a drama novice, there will always be a place for you."
Academic lesson time
- Pupils in year 7 have one lesson of drama every week
- Pupils in year 8 have one lesson of drama every week or every other week on rotation
- Pupils in year 9 have 4 lessons in a cycle
- GCSE classes have 6 lessons in a cycle
- Year 12 classes have 11 lessons in a cycle
- Year 13 classes have 12 lessons in a cycle
Co-curricular time
- Pupils across each year have 4 activities lessons in a cycle if they choose to take a drama-based activity.
"Drama to me has been so amazing. When I am in any school production, I always feel included and involved no matter my age or role. I get to meet new people from different years and get to see people that I've known in ways I've never seen when on stage. I've learnt new ways to act, and I know that I can always let myself free and show my true passion. It always feels like a family and when it ends, I just want to do it over again."