A taste of the Theatrics – How to Successfully Create Drama Kings and Queens

By Anthony Groves, who is seventeen and attends Childwall Academy

“I am going to speak about my schools drama department.

Considering I only began doing drama for A-level I can safely say the pupils and staff make me feel like I have been there for years. The teachers Mr Tattersall, Mrs Dalton-Granby and Miss Mutch are always available, and whether it is drama based or for another subject they are willing to offer help.

On a personal level, I am currently learning my monologues for when I apply to drama school. I ask if the teachers are free and if they aren’t they always offer me another time showing how they care and want their students to succeed.

I believe schools should strive to help their students.

I always find that honesty is a key element in drama. The teachers help us by saying how we could improve constantly aiming to get the best out of their students. I am a student who prefers to be told I’m bad to get better, however the teachers are so close to the students they understand each pupil’s needs and problems.

In the drama department we are currently rehearsing for a school performance of Grease. I need help in terms of singing, but organising a time to improve hasn’t ever been a problem. My teachers help me to hit notes I haven’t hit before, but make it seem so easy. This effortlessness and desire to help make you feel comfortable around not only the teachers but the students too is such an important part of achieving success. I have never experienced such a tight knit environment where everybody gets along and genuinely enjoys what they are doing.

Of a lunchtime we use the theatre room to eat our dinner as the teachers and students trust each other; something I find needs to be established to have a happy working environment. I joined drama thinking I’m not good enough to keep up with my fellow peers of such outstanding ability. However, with teachers and students who tell you how to improve and believe in your ability, you can achieve anything. They are all willing to stay behind after school just to perfect that little detail which can boost not only a grade on a piece of paper but your confidence too.

The teachers all work extensively to get ready for shows and help with school events, which I believe is noticed by our school but not nationally, as it should be.

Of all the departments in school drama is by far the most hardworking. The fact is drama is underestimated on a national level and should be taken into higher consideration. I would like to thank Educate Magazine for asking me to write this blog, and I hope what I have said will be taken into consideration with your school.”