Drama

Drama is considered an important subject at The Hall, enabling students to grow in confidence, develop communication skills and creatively express their ideas.  It is taught through the curriculum in the Junior School and as a discrete subject from Year 4 upwards. Dramatic play is recognised as essential to the child’s well-being, fostering the development of self in relation to others and the world about them.   

Weekly lessons offer an exploration of various theatrical techniques and genres, from Mime and Mask to Narrative theatre, Ancient Greek theatre, Melodrama, Physical Theatre, and script work. Students are supported to develop an expressive use of voice and movement, but also to grow personally as there is a focus on developing empathy and cooperation with others. 

Beyond the classroom, students benefit from an array of exciting opportunities.  A weekly after-school Drama Club in the Senior School fosters continued learning and creative collaboration. Year 8 boys take part in Physical Theatre workshops with the renowned Frantic Assembly, while in Years 5 to 7 students enjoy workshops with West End dancers and choreographers, professional actors and puppeteers.   

Highlighting teamwork, students in Year 7 and 8 engage in a yearly ‘Play in a Day’ Shakespeare workshop, culminating in performances of plays such as ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘Hamlet’ and ‘The Tempest’. 

The department proudly stages a Senior School play each year, featuring productions such as ‘The Government Inspector’, ‘Hamlet’, and ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’. Students are involved not only on stage but also in operating lights, sound, and backstage support, gaining valuable experience in all aspects of theatre production. 

The School has a good relationship with neighbouring Central School of Speech and Drama.  In recent years MA Drama students have supported productions at the school as voice coaches and prop makers.   

Over the years it has become clear that Drama at The Hall has inspired students to explore the subject further not only in their next schools but in their adult careers.