Drama and Theatre Studies
Building confidence and freedom of expression
Drama at Millfield Prep School is not all about performance. Our approach is to encourage every child to value and appreciate freedom of expression, to gain and build their self-confidence and to promote opportunities for teamwork and creativity through the media of Drama. We believe that these are vital life skills which will be of huge benefit to pupils regardless of whether or not they choose to pursue Drama – although of course we hope that they will!
A multitude of skills and resources
Pupils start receiving one time-tabled period of Drama per week in Year 5, which they then receive for the rest of their time at Millfield Prep School from one of our three specialist teachers. Pupils will have the opportunity to not only learn acting, but also to get involved in script writing, auditioning, directing, stage managing, sound, lighting, make-up, wardrobe, and are also taught about safety. Year 8 pupils will also get the chance to attend theatre trips.
Millfield Prep School is extremely lucky to have a newly refurbished Assembly Hall theatre where the major productions take place. We also have the opportunity to use the professionally-run Meyer Theatre at the Senior School, a venue that pupils will become very familiar with if they chose to pursue Drama at Millfield.
Opportunities for all
Every pupil is given the opportunity to take to the stage at some point in the year. There really is an opportunity for anyone who wants to get involved to experience the thrill of theatre. Indeed, if a child auditions and is willing to devote time and energy then they will not be turned away, with auditions used solely to assign roles. Recent productions have had casts of over sixty children, all with speaking roles! As well as curriculum Drama there is a range of clubs: Years 7 & 8 recently enjoyed a ‘Drama Comedy Club’, there are Drama clubs for all year groups and a ‘Technical’ club working on stage design, lighting, sound and stage management. Ultimately, we want all of our pupils to enjoy Drama, and to instil a desire in them to pursue Drama outside and beyond the School walls.
