Drama
Lower School Drama Club is at lunch-time and is offered to S1 and S2 students. These sessions are run by Sixth Form students who have a passion for Drama and a flair for directing and guiding students to success.
This may include improvisation topics and script-work, which can sometimes be taken to performance level. Lower School Drama Club offers a space to not only learn about the art of acting but develop socially and artistically.
Students also have access to lunch-time and after-school Rehearsal Clubs, which support in the rehearsal of academic and extra-curricular Drama and Performing Arts activities.
Public Performances
Large school performances occur at least twice a year, creating a huge buzz around the Drama department. Every other year Drama joins forces with the Music department to put on an all singing, all dancing musical of choice. Recent productions include: Grease, Les Miserables, Jekyl and Hyde, Teechers, Blue Remembered Hills, Bouncers and Sweeney Todd – to name but a few.
Other evening performances take place in the Drama Studio which is fully equipped with sound, lighting and digital projection technology. The studio space offers an intimate setting which is perfect for smaller performances.
There are also lots of technical and stage management responsibilities available during productions, so there is no excuse for students not to get involved during their time at Birkdale; no matter their skillset.
Speech and Drama Lessons
LAMDA lessons are available through the school. Details of which can be found via the School Secretary or from the LAMDA tutor, Giuliana Kocura.
Theatre Trips
Each year group have numerous opportunities to attend live theatre events each year. This could be part of the curriculum or simply for fun. Traditional and contemporary theatre productions throughout the country are seen by hundreds of our students each year; they love it.
Key Stage 3 Drama
Key Stage 3 Drama is run on a carousel basis through the English curriculum on a half-termly basis. It is a period of exploration and experiment; Drama aims for both practical skills and confidence to increase. A deeper appreciation and understanding of Drama can be experienced through games, activities and fun packed schemes of work such as Commedia Dell Arte, Physical Theatre and Radio Drama. The students will also learn about the technical aspects of theatre exploring lighting and sound. There really is something for everyone on the Drama course and it plays such a vital role in developing the students’ physical, emotional, social and cognitive development.
