There are many opportunities to participate in drama at Clifton College, whether you are an academic drama pupil, or simply enjoy performing.
Those choosing drama as an academic course will have the chance to develop their acting skills and understanding of stagecraft.
Studying drama encourages pupils to develop their teamwork and communication skills, and to build their confidence and become accustomed to public speaking.
View our Drama Scholarships and Bursaries
Teaching
As well as learning the practical skills of performance, drama pupils will study playwrights such as Shakespeare, Miller and Bernard Shaw, and participate in workshops throughout the year.
Each year, the Third and Fourth Form have the opportunity to work on a full length production of their own on the Redgrave Theatre stage, for example, Chicago Teen. We use physical theatre or musical theatre in these productions to teach the younger pupils a variety of theatre styles and skills. This gives confidence and an opportunity to experience the responsibility and collaboration which comes with performance.
Our staff have the experience, qualifications and connections needed to guide pupils towards further training.
Why Study at Clifton College?
The department has use of the College’s own 300-seat proscenium arched theatre. We work closely with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre, the Bath Theatre Royal, RADA and Shakespeare’s Globe in London.
The academic study of drama at Clifton College is complemented by the wide variety of co-curricular opportunities and House activities available to all pupils.
The Annual Musical is a huge event at Clifton College, with pupils tackling all elements of putting on a big show under the careful direction of Rhian Orzel (Director of Drama) and James Drinkwater (Director of Music).
As well as singing in either a lead role or in the ensemble, pupils can also play in the band that accompanies the show, while others help with the PA system or run the sound desk. Over the last few years, the College has put on Les Misérables, Evita, Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon.
School Shakespeare productions have included Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
