Drama
Drama has a major role to play in the wider education of students at Reading Blue Coat School; some students may indeed go on to pursue careers in the theatre, but the broader skills encouraged by this subject serve as an excellent complement to other subjects in the curriculum. There is a full programme of production and presentation throughout the year with many opportunities to participate. Past productions have included Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Blood Brothers, West Side Story, My Fair Lady and Grease.
Participation in drama productions and regular visits to the theatre are expected from all drama students. In the Lower School pupils work through an enjoyable programme of mime, movement, role play, improvisation and storytelling. This is designed to inculcate self confidence, oral ability and team work, as well as to stimulate the imagination and creativity. Examination courses are concerned with the skills and techniques of presenting drama and include voice work, role play, improvisation, the skills of acting and directing, as well as a study of the more technical disciplines of lighting, sound and make-up.
Classes are taught in the Studio Theatre and performances take place in the Way Hall on a versatile stage with a full lighting rig.