Take the Stage: Senior School Performing Arts at St Chris

Take to the Stage: `Performing Arts at St Chris`

At St Chris Senior School, we have a rich history of delivering exceptional drama productions of huge variety, setting the scene for aspiring performers and technical enthusiasts.

Our commitment to inclusivity and enjoyment creates a vibrant community where all are welcomed into the captivating world of the performing arts.

Embrace the spotlight in our purpose-built theatre and fully equipped drama and dance studio. Our theatre and drama studio are immersive environments for creative exploration. Students thrive under the lights, or in the box configuring the sound system.

`Annual Productions` and Diverse Performances

Throughout our annual musical productions, collaboration takes centre stage; LAMDA students from across the Senior School and theatre and drama enthusiasts join to create moving productions. From the iconic Grease to the epic Les Misérables or the controversial Jesus Christ Superstar, our students showcase their talents both on and off the stage with diligence and dignity.

Our Senior School students explore a diverse range of plays and performances, from classics like Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth to student-written and produced plays.

Senior School pupils in the performing arts studio at St Chris

Drama `Curriculum`

We offer Drama at GCSE and A Level to all students regardless of their subjects of study combination.

GCSE Drama
This course focuses on increasing knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre, studying texts and analysis and evaluation of live productions. From these core skills, students develop understanding of the process of creating devised drama, perform a devised drama or contribute as a designer and analyse and evaluate their own work.
A Level Drama & Theatre
At A Level, students complete an in-depth study of the theatre in all its aspects across both theoretical and practical approaches. At A Level, students see at least four live theatre productions per year. Students can tailor their practical assessment to their individual passions or skill set. Although most students tend to opt for acting as their practical assessment, they can choose a design/technical option instead, such as set design or lighting.
LAMDA Training at St Chris
Our students can discover the world of London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) with onsite training led by Sue Scott Davison, Teacher of Drama and LAMDA. LAMDA training, which now includes an integral speaking in public module, aids our students in building their confidence and communication skills in our weekly sessions at the School Theatre. Students at St Chris typically perform very well in their LAMDA examinations. In 2023, 86% of students taking LAMDA examinations achieved a Distinction, and 14% achieved a Merit.

`Drama Clubs` and Student Engagement

Our drama clubs have evolved into thriving hubs, with over 90 students actively participating across both Junior and Senior Schools. These clubs are opportunities for our students to unleash their creativity and collaboration and develop their skills in a vibrant and supportive performing arts community. These clubs are led by our specialist teachers who work with students in groups and individually.

The Wombles: Behind-the-Scenes Magic

Our students of all ages also can be part of the backstage magic with the St Chris Wombles. The students work directly with our professional theatre technician Mike Li, master sound and lighting, and discover the art of set and prop assembly. An excellent choice for those enchanted by the magic of theatre behind the scenes.

Backstage technicians "The Wombles" on stage at St Chris

Nurturing Creativity `Beyond the Spotlight`

Whatever a students’ interests, they can always step into the limelight or explore the magic behind the scenes—our commitment to performing arts at St Chris goes beyond the stage. Our drama provision is incredibly inclusive, is all about self-expression, and fosters excellence in every student's unique creative journey.