Drama

The Drama department at Rydal Penrhos School is responsible for Drama teaching throughout the school, providing courses in which the focus is firmly centred on practical work. Drama is a popular choice at AS and A-level where the practical exploration of drama is complemented by the study of important practitioners and performance theory. The department maintains and continues to develop the vibrant theatre traditions of the school by means of an eclectic range of serious drama, musicals and house plays. As well as participation in performance, the department encourages its pupils to see as much live theatre as possible and we have established strong links with the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.

"The department maintains and continues to develop the vibrant theatre traditions of the school"

Notable school alumni who went on to forge careers in acting and production are Linus Roache, Bill Roache and Duncan Kenworthy, producer of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Love Actually.

Why study Drama?

Drama is a new and innovative course which has been carefully designed to combine the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject. It provides an interesting and challenging course, which prepares students for higher education.

Drama will appeal to anyone who wants to involve themselves actively rather than passively in learning. It is not a course for those who wish to sit inertly and be told what to do. It has been conceived to develop a student’s individual skills and their ability to work with others. It must be emphasized, however, that the course is not just for those who wish to pursue further training in the Theatre. The subject may help you to acquire transferable skills which could be suitable in such diverse careers as the civil service, business, administration, social work, marketing, public relations, teaching, journalism and law.

The overall aim of the subject is to integrate practical and academic work. This allows the candidate to study the dramatic text and then develop this understanding through performance. This combination of theory and practice provides an opportunity to consider a play not only as literature, but also as a vehicle for presentation. Plays are also studied in the light of their historical background and the cultural conditions of their production and presentation.

There will be opportunities to see live theatre during the year and you should want to participate in theatre trips and all practical aspects of the course.