Drama

Head of Drama: Sarah Barker-Doherty
Teachers of Drama: Alex Boyd-Williams and Gay Boutroux (Junior School)

To study Drama is to study what it is to be human. It is a subject which helps students to understand themselves, and the world in which they live, better.

Another excellent reason for studying Drama is that it is enormous fun and it offers fantastic challenges and life-changing experiences. Students will get to put on productions of plays and devised work and also visit the theatre to see wonderful performances. Recently, the GCSE, AS and A2 students enjoyed a five-day trip to London to see some of the best productions in some of the world’s most exciting theatrical spaces.

We also compliment our knowledge and skills base by frequently bringing to Aiglon professional theatre practitioners who offer workshops and expertise. This year alone we have worked with Marcello Magni of ‘Theatre de Complicite’ and Neil Bettles from Frantic Assembly, two of the world’s most innovative and well respected theatre companies. Our main rehearsal/ performance space is Exeter Hall – a large versatile space. We also have a drama studio and access to the School’s dance studio.

There is very close working relationship shared between the staff and students. Those who choose to study Drama are very proud and happy to do so at Aiglon.

The Department produces excellent productions and trains its students skills in physical and vocal performance to a very sophisticated level.

The Department has strong links with both the Music and Dance Departments and Drama students are encouraged and expected to participate in and learn about all performance arts.

The Aiglon Drama Department is committed to producing students who are well trained in using their voice and physicality to communicate successfully. It is also a great concern that students learn to write clearly, intellectually and analytically; a life skill that will help all students in whatever they do in the future.

Studying Drama is not easy!

It is a misconception that Drama is only standing around pretending to be a tree. It is not! It is a serious academic study of the theatrical arts, the self and the world that we live in. It is our aim that through participation in Drama that students will develop a love and critical understanding of performance arts. By undergoing a creative process, the students acquire the life-skills of self-confidence, concentration, self-discipline and communication.

“The experience of being part of a theatre audience is not simply passive. It’s not like watching TV; it’s not even like watching a film in the cinema. Everyone in that space is alive, and everyone is focused on one central activity. And everyone contributes. The actors contribute their performance; the audience contributes their attention, their silence, their laughter, their applause, their respect.

I can remember evenings in the theatre which were among the most important things I’ve ever known.

Theatre feeds the heart and nourishes the soul and enlarges the spirit.”
Philip Pullman, novelist

This year’s school production was Georg Buchner’s, ‘Woyzeck’. A tough, challenging and edgy choice for a school play, The story revolves around the life of Franz Woyzeck, a penniless soldier who, through his love for his family and the harsh conditions he endures, is driven to madness and murder. The auditions were very well attended and a cast of extremely talented young people performed the play during the February Parents’ Weekend.