Whatever their age, our pupils take centre stage in every aspect of drama and performing arts through our holistic and inclusive approach. Whether their preference is acting, singing, stage-management, costumes and lighting and sound technology, we encourage each pupil to learn skills for life.
Throughout the year there are numerous opportunities for a Rye pupil to take part in drama and performing arts related activities – both within the curriculum and through our many enrichment activities and clubs.
Once a year, our Senior School stages a major musical or play, offering myriad opportunities to take part both on and off stage. For example, our 2020 production of Bugsy Malone involved over 80 pupils and a host of other volunteers who helped with make-up, stage design, sound and lighting and much more.
Meanwhile our Prep School pupils take part in our eagerly-anticipated Nativity plays, which attract a large audience. Every Trinity Term, the Prep School also prepares a summer performance of drama and music.
For those who want to take drama even further, we offer LAMDA lessons from Year 3 to 9, offering a hugely-enjoyable and challenging opportunity to improve acting and performance skills.
A range of clubs including Dance and Movement, Ballet, and Scottish Dancing complement our diverse drama offering.
Prep School Drama
Pupils at Rye St Antony are encouraged to express themselves and work together as a team from an early age when drama is taught by their Form Teachers.
Once pupils reach Year 5 they are taught by the senior Drama teachers but still play very active roles in Prep School productions, from helping to produce and direct to performing.
Our Prep School Drama productions are highlights of the school year and have included A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed in the school’s beautiful woodland, a dance-themed Jungle Book and the musical, Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Senior School Drama
Drama is taught as part of the whole school curriculum and our students are offered a rich and diverse experience of the subject as an art form.
From speaking and listening to group performances and written work, our students discover the historical, cultural and practical aspects of drama and how they can use their new-found skills in their every day lives. Outside the curriculum, there are plenty of opportunities available to pupils wanting to explore the subject further through popular clubs, LAMDA Examinations, workshops, theatre trips, and school productions.
Drama is taken as an option subject for GCSE, and our girls consistently achieve Grades 8 and 9 for their work.
Sixth Form Drama
Our Sixth Form girls play a very active role in drama activities throughout the school, whether staging their own performances or helping with whole school productions. Our Sixth Form community are valued for their skills as performers, producers, writers, costume designers and mentors.
Sixth Form students can also opt to take Drama as an A-Level subject.
Theatre trips, workshops and maintaining links with the local performing arts community are also an important part of Sixth Form life at Rye St Antony.
Drama and Performing Arts Facilities
Our drama and performing arts facilities ensure every pupil has opportunity to reach their creative potential and include:
- Purpose built drama studio with lighting facilities and staging blocks
- Lighting and sound equipment with state of the art mixing desk, recording equipment and dimmer racks
- TV, DVD Player, data projector and extensive staging equipment
