Drama at Sevenoaks

In addition to producing a great deal of exam work throughout the year, the Drama department is a major contributor to the co-curricular life of the school, mainly through the programme of productions mounted in the Sackville Theatre and OT Drama Studio by the Sevenoaks School Theatre Company.

The aim of the Sevenoaks School Theatre Company (SSTC) is to produce theatre of genuine artistic merit, while maximising opportunities for pupil participation and ownership.

First formed in 1981, when the Sackville Theatre opened, the SSTC has staged dynamic and high-quality productions for over three decades. The Sackville Theatre was refurbished in 2010 and has a capacity of 250. It is a flexible, fully equipped space, modelled on the National's Cottesloe Theatre, which allows opportunities for innovative and intimate staging – something the SSTC embraces each season.

The SSTC is open to all pupils and places great emphasis on developing a strong ensemble. Each year the SSTC mounts four major productions: Lower School (Years 7 and 8); Middle School (Years 9 and 10) and Upper School (Year 11 and Sixth Form). There is also a biennial Middle and Upper School tour production to schools in Germany and last year the SSTC collaborated with the Music department to stage Les Misérables. We also produce smaller studio projects, such as a biennial Greek play, Trinity Showcase evenings (many students undertake Trinity Guildhall Acting Awards and lessons) and at least one student-directed production. Leaving students have also performed at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Under the supervision of staff, pupils involved in technical, backstage and front of house work meet regularly to ensure the smooth running of productions. Older pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for the training of younger enthusiasts, and to pass on their skills and experience. The SSTC programmes challenging and critically renowned texts, staged to entertain, engage and expand the theatrical appreciation of performers, technicians and audience alike.