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Performing
Arts

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‘We believe that Performing Arts can play a huge part of a pupils’ journey here at LWC. Our pupils are proud of the opportunities they become involved in across Drama, Dance and Music. We continue to encourage them to build confidence, have fun and become skilful performers.’

 

Drama

 

Pupils are encouraged to get involved in all aspects of theatre production including: acting, directing, set design, costume, make-up, lighting, sound and front of house.  Pupils can participate in a variety of drama-related clubs which will enable those that participate in them a chance to learn new skills, broaden their experience and learn to collaborate effectively with others.

  • Our main aims:
    • To provide drama-related opportunities for all abilities, encouraging inclusivity.

    • To engage and enthuse pupils in all areas of theatre production.

    • To encourage expression, discipline, commitment and skill development.

    • To enrich pupils’ cultural, intellectual and emotional education through a variety of theatre genres.

    • To draw members of the school community together around the shared experience of a great piece of theatre.

  • What we do:
    • School productions – for 2024 we will performing Oliver at The Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke

    • Drama clubs including Youth Theatre, Boys’ Youth Theatre and Musical Theatre

    • Technical Theatre and Show Support

    • Student-led activities (e.g. self-directed plays, script-writing)

    • LAMDA  (These classes are delivered by Showshack Performing Arts Academy)

Pupils can become involved in a production or participate in one-off events/performance evenings. For example, we offer either a play or musical to include every year group, at least once in the academic year. We also host student led events such as ‘Cabaret’ and host a Drama Showcase evening every year, which includes LAMDA performances. We feature an annual ‘Drama Scholars’ Evening and also offer outreach opportunities in the local community. We also participate in the ‘Coram Shakespeare Festival’ where students can perform at The Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke.’ We were delighted to have a 50 strong cast performing Lionel Bart’s Oliver! at the Haymarket in January this year.

Dance

 

Pupils have the opportunity to take lessons in a range of dance genres, as well as to become involved in a number of co-curricular activities which allow them to learn new skills, experiment with choreography, work as part of a team and experience the excitement of performance. Lessons are offered in ballet, modern, street dance and tap.

 

  • Studying dance encourages:
    • Flexibility Confidence
    • Fitness
    • Co-Ordination
    • Socialisation
    • Energy
    • Posture
    • Musicality
    • Social Interaction
    • Rhythm
    • Muscle Development
    • Discipline
    • Spatial Awareness
  • Performance opportunities
    • Student-led Performing Arts Cabaret Evening

    • A Production (which is a musical every other year)

    • Inter-House Dance

    • An Evening of Dance

Music

 

Our co-curricular provision is extensive, with a wealth of performing opportunities for all. Inclusive music-making is at the heart of what we do. We believe in developing a genuine lifelong appreciation and love of music through an engaging, high quality programme.

  • What we do:
    • A busy concert programme, including Autumn Term Concert, House Singing, informal soirees, lunchtime concerts, acoustic nights and choral evensong

    • Annual Cotterill Cup Music Festival and Open Recital Section

    • Biennial Musical (Oliver in 2024)

    • Student-led Events and Ensembles, including pupils teaching staff instrumental lessons

    • Participation in local festivals and competitions

    • Music Enrichment and Appreciation Programme, including visits to Royal Albert Hall, Barbican, Reading Hexagon, Basingstoke Anvil, Glyndebourne and the West End. Workshops including Event Management and Performance Anxiety

    • Concert Band and Junior Orchestra

    • Senior Choir and Junior Choir

    • A considerable number of instrumental ensembles, including Flutes, Saxophones, Strings and Brass, Samba Band

    • Composition, Improvisation and Tech Clubs, as well as recording opportunities

    • Theory and Aural support

    We schedule over 200 individual instrumental lessons per week, on a variety of difference instruments. We also have a team of 20 professional peripatetic music teachers.

Theatre Tech

 

This club gives pupils the opportunity to learn about the backstage areas of theatrical performance and production.

  • What we do:

    There are two tech club sessions per week for all ages. The teams are trained to:

     
    • Operate theatre lights and sound

    • Build sets and scenery

    • Stage manage shows – including set changes

    • Source costumes and props

    • Provide full technical support for all school shows, performances and assemblies.