Drama forms a valuable part of community life at Forest with a large cohort of pupils who relish the opportunity to perform.
Co-Curricular Drama at Forest is both challenging and exciting. With three 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 and 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.
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. 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.
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."
Co-curricular time
Pupils across each year have four 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."