Facilities

Our two Drama Studios offer state-of-the-art facilities ensuring pupils have access to the best equipment for lighting and sound. Both studios provide an intimate environment ideally suited for the range of drama activities that students undertake during lessons. Our Performing Arts Technicians are always on hand to offer expertise and guidance for girls wishing to further their knowledge of technical theatre skills using the specialist equipment available.

Key Stage 3

The course gives girls an opportunity to work together creatively and develop their imagination and communication skills. Students learn theatre techniques through games and exercises and use these techniques to articulate their responses to the people and the world around them. Year 7 pupils start the Drama course developing their vocal and physical performance skills in our Matilda scheme of work, whilst Year 8 students have the opportunity to write, film and act in their very own silent movie. The Year 9 course includes a project where students research and devise their own drama-documentary.  All our schemes of work offer students the opportunity to develop an understanding and appreciation of making, performing, and interpreting drama.

All examination groups perform a minimum of two studio performances each year. These plays provide a forum for girls to learn directing, acting, design and technical skills as they experience the excitement and intensity of live studio theatre.

Extra-Curricular Activities

There is a thriving Drama programme, which extends and complements work undertaken within the curriculum. LAMDA lessons, Drama clubs and workshops are offered to various Year groups and a full technical training programme, covering all aspects of theatre lighting, sound and
stage management, is attended by girls of all ages. We attend a number of professional theatre productions and drama workshops each year and also invite various theatre workshop providers into School. We do a whole-school Drama production in conjunction with the Music Department at least every two years, the most recent being Beasts and Beauties in 2020. Each year, Withington girls are invited to audition for productions at The Manchester Grammar School. MGS pupils also take part in some WGS productions, most recently, The Phantom of the Opera. Occasionally, Withington girls are invited to audition for local theatres or casting agents with some success, both at local and national levels

“In Drama, we have the chance to learn how to express ourselves.”
A Year 7 pupil