The Arts Drama & Theatre Studies
Drama & Theatre Studies
Drama & Theatre Studies
“In early youth, as we contemplate our coming life, we are like children in a theatre before the curtain is raised, sitting there in high spirits and eagerly awaiting for the play to begin.” Schopenhaur
The Department
- Director of Drama: Alex Boyd-Williams
- 2nd in Department: Marc Cooper
- Theatre Manager: Sue Gilhespie
- Teachers of Drama: Steven Cole, Karen Buckley, Karen Trevis
Our dynamic department is run by two full-time specialists, three part-time teachers, an Actor/Director-in-Residence, a Gap-Year Teacher and a professional Theatre Manager. We also compliment our knowledge and skills base by frequently bringing in outside practitioners who offer workshops and further expertise. In recent years, we have worked with Theatre de Complicite and Frantic Assembly two of the most innovative and well respected companies in Europe. We have also had the opportunity to work with Kevin McCurdy, one of the country’s leading Fight Directors.
The Department is equipped with a fantastic theatre space which can be adapted as a thrust, proscenium arch, in the round or studio space. We are very lucky to have such a lovely theatre (with a 400+ seating capacity) to work and perform in, which is also equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment. We also have three drama studios and access to the school’s dance studio.
There is an excellent working relationship between the staff and students. Those who choose to study Drama are very proud and happy to do so at Millfield. We also have a strong academic record and achieve a very high percentage of A and B grades at GCSE, AS and A2 Level.
The Drama Department has a tradition of attracting serious academic students who go on to study the Arts at top universities both here and abroad.
An example of such a student is Phoebe Wood-Wheelhouse, student of Theatre Studies 1999-2003, and a recent graduate of English Literature at Keble College, Oxford:
“I’ve never been more thankful of an academic decision than the one I made to choose Theatre Studies A Level; it showed me that Drama isn’t just the easy ride I had always assumed it to be. The course required just as much dedication and focus as any other, and was more rewarding than most of my other A Level choices.
I was slightly worried about my A Level choices having studied Maths, Biology, Theatre Studies and English, and how they would affect my chances of winning a place at Oxford. However, when I asked my tutor about this, he replied that Theatre Studies is excellent in providing valuable insights into dramatic texts and that I shouldn’t be worried about people calling it an ‘un-academic’ subject.
I have found Drama extremely useful and highly enjoyable. Gaining an A grade was an achievement that I worked extremely hard for. The dedication, focus and confidence that Drama inspires will stay with me and help me throughout my life.”
What is special about Drama at Millfield?
Monty Saul, parent and Governor at Millfield: “Drama at Millfield is electric. Forget any preconceptions of school ‘Amateur Dramatics’ think sophisticated, sensitive and sometimes shocking. I have seen an audience leave the Meyer Theatre in near silence, so moved were they by what they had just seen. I can think of no better preparation for any career than Drama at Millfield.”
The department also has an excellent tradition of producing excellent productions and training student skills in physical and vocal performance to a very sophisticated level.
The department has strong links with both the Music and Dance Departments and Drama students are encouraged and expected to participate in and learn about all performance arts.
The Millfield Drama department is committed to producing students who are well trained in using their voice and physicality to communicate successfully. It is also a great concern that students learn to write clearly, intellectually and analytically; a life skill that will help all students in whatever they do in the future.
The department has an excellent track record of getting Sixth Formers into top accredited UK and US Drama Schools. We coach students thoroughly for auditions and provide references.
In recent years the department has also been very successful in getting students into the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, which is an excellent stepping stone for any young person interested in Drama and a profession in the performance arts. The NYT is a hotbed of young creative talent and many of the best known names in the entertainment industry started out in the company, including Sir Ben Kingsley, Dame Helen Mirren, Timothy Spall, Daniel Day-Lewis, David Walliams and Matt Lucas.