Co-Curricular

Drama

The Drama department is a major contributor to the co-curricular life of the school, through the four to five productions mounted each year in the Sackville Theatre and OT Drama Studio by the Sevenoaks School Theatre Company (SSTC). It also runs a variety of clubs, and for drama scholars and students who wish to specialise called the Sackville Society.

The aim of the Sevenoaks School Theatre Company is to produce theatre of genuine artistic merit, while maximising opportunities for pupil participation and ownership. Commitment and potential are prioritised, not just talent. Productions are a great way for pupils to meet new people and forge friendships.

Being part of a production enables personal and social development and is seen as an important ‘stress-buster’ that enhances wellbeing.

The SSTC is open to all pupils and places great emphasis on the ensemble, the artistic process, and educational benefits of making theatre. Each year the SSTC mounts a major production for each area of the school: Lower School Play (Years 7 and 8); Year 9 Play and two Senior Plays (Years 10-13). There is also a biennial tour production to schools in Germany (40 years strong) and collaborations with the Music department. Smaller studio projects, such as Trinity/LAMDA Showcase evenings and student-directed productions also feature. Leaving students have also performed at the Edinburgh Fringe.

“The Drama department is inspirational at Sevenoaks. With a wonderfully versatile space, you can perform in the round, traverse or thrust and even on tour in Germany! There are so many opportunities to be involved and the staff are brilliant in challenging your skills and helping you create beautiful theatre. The Germany tour was my best week at Sevenoaks.”

Louis - Upper Sixth
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Under the supervision of staff, some pupils are heavily involved in technical, backstage and stage design to support each production. 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. The department often brings in external professional practitioners to enrich the students’ productions and run workshops. 

For those who do not have the time to commit to a production, there are a range of clubs providing a diverse range of opportunities, which include: technical theatre, stage design, improv, radio drama and Shakespeare. The plays for Years 7-9 both start out as a club before any auditions. This is to build the company first and enable less experienced pupils to try the activity first and develop their confidence. Many students also take private acting lessons towards Trinity/LAMDA examinations, or just to improve confidence and public speaking. 

The Sackville Society runs an enrichment programme twice a week giving pupils an insight into professional training and extending their knowledge and repertoire of plays, theory and performances. These students also support the department in running Front of House and helping with publicity.

Facilities

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 has a capacity of 250 and is a flexible, fully equipped space, which allows opportunities for innovative and intimate staging. It also hosts professional touring work.

THE SPACE facilities

Where Next?

Sport

Drama Scholarships

Music