Drama and Art

Nurturing Creativity: Drama and Art at Oakham School

Drama: A Stage for Talent

At the helm of creative expression, Oakham School’s Drama Department plays a pivotal role in fostering a deep-seated appreciation for theatre among students. The Queen Elizabeth Theatre (QET), with its professional setup and 200 seats, stands at the core of drama education here, showcasing a wide spectrum of productions from experimental to mainstream musicals. An additional historic venue, the Old School building from 1584, offers a quaint space for intimate studio productions and workshops, enriching the drama environment.

Teachers, with a wealth of practical experience, guide students across various facets of drama – from performance and design to the technicalities of lighting, sound, and make-up. The department doesn’t just teach; it prepares students for the professional realm, aiding in National Youth Theatre auditions and drama school applications. Annually, the school breathes life into five major theatrical productions, alongside enabling students to polish their skills through weekly dance classes, LAMDA, and RADA Shakespeare Certificates preparations, and even a Shakespeare monologue competition. Many students, infused with a passion for drama, venture forth to prestigious drama colleges post-graduation.

The Artistic Journey in Art and Design

Oakham’s Art and Design Department is a vibrant hub of creativity, powered by specialist teachers who are also practicing artists, fostering a culture of expression, experimentation, and innovation. The Richard Bull Centre, with six dedicated art studios, is a testament to the school’s commitment to art, offering a canvas for students to explore a range of mediums from painting and sculpture to digital photography and new electronic media.

The art curriculum is vibrant and engaging, dotted with visits from artists, curators’ talks, and excursions to museums and galleries, ensuring students experience art in its myriad forms. Art is not just an elective; it’s a path many students choose for their future, often securing spots at elite institutions for further creative studies.

From an early age, students dive into the practical arts program following the IB Middle Years Programme, with older students choosing from GCSE, A-level, or the IB Diploma Visual Art courses, further exploring their chosen mediums in depth.

Conclusion

Oakham School champions the arts through its dynamic co-curricular offerings and state-of-the-art facilities. Drama and Art at Oakham are not merely subjects but journeys of personal discovery, creativity, and expression, laying a solid foundation for students’ future endeavors in the arts.