Teaser
There are many exciting opportunities for you get involved in Drama at Berkhamsted. If you love being on stage, supporting backstage, seeing amazing shows or enjoy a chance to be creative with others, we have something for you! “You are never starved of chances to get involved” Toby, Year 11.
School Productions
We put on multiple productions ever year at Berkhamsted, ranging from musicals to comedies to straight plays. Everyone has the chance to be cast or involved in a production. Whether you are an experienced performer or someone who is considering acting in a school show for the first time, we hope you will come and join in the fun! The shows are always spectacular.
Beyond the stage
We offer multiple opportunities to support our shows beyond acting. There are many areas you can get involved; stage management, directing, choreographing, costume design, playing in the live band/orchestra or lighting and sound design.
Speech and Drama Lessons
Private extra drama lessons are available to all pupils at Berkhamsted to enable you to explore texts (acting) or songs (musical theatre), to devise drama and/or hone your communication and public speaking skills in very small groups or individually. Participants have the opportunity to take exams validated by LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Drama Art) in all disciplines up to Grade 8.
Theatre visits and workshops
Each year we run a number of trips for various year groups to see exciting productions. These range from West End Musicals to smaller productions in fringe venues. We also arrange for theatre companies to perform in our own Centenary theatre and arrange workshops run by top professionals. They are often a highlight of the Drama calendar.
Residential trips to Edinburgh Festival
Every two years all sixth formers have the opportunity to perform as a professional company at the largest arts festival in the world; Edinburgh Fringe. In recent years, all productions have received 5-star reviews and the experience of the festival is truly unforgettable.
Actor of the year competition
Our annual Actor of the Year competition is a most anticipated event. Students from across the school sign up to perform a short scene, either solo or in a pair. The event is adjudicated by an esteemed judge who presents a number of awards for their favourite performances of the night.
House Drama and Performing Arts
This is a hugely exciting biennial event for all pupils in the Senior School houses. Each house presents a short dramatic programme at the end of their first half term of the academic year. The quality of the performances is extremely high and the atmosphere during the competition is electric.
Script writing
Introduced last year, we have an annual script writing competition to encourage all you budding writers to have a go.
But don’t just take our word for it!
“The opportunities that the Berkhamsted drama department offers are endless, from being able to direct and perform I feel I have truly experienced the difference aspects of theatre in such a mature way.” Susie, Year 13.
“I find drama extremely fun and exhilarating. We do lots of drama activities over the year like plays and actor of the year which are really fun to try out your drama skills.” Hannah, Year 8.
