Acting has been described as “behaving truthfully in an imaginary situation”. Good acting appears to take place in the present moment, the character’s thoughts and emotions being expressed for the very first time. The audience should be unaware of the actor’s preparation – of learning the lines, rehearsing the “moves”, investigating the character’s inner dynamics and exploring the subtext. What matters, is the illusion of spontaneity and the directness of the actor’s emotional fusion with the observer.
Drama is very popular at Wycombe Abbey both as a curriculum subject and as an extra curricular activity
CURRICULUM
In the first two years of UIII and LIV girls have one double period of Class Drama a week. They wear black leggings and a t-shirt to provide a neutral base from which to build characters, improvise and learn various explorative strategies to help them to get from page to stage.
In the third year (UIV), there is a one period allocation for Class Drama and a three period allocation for the UIV production.
There is a two year GCSE course available in LV and UV which is largely practical but also includes a written element in three main areas: Responding to a range of stimuli and texts, Developing strategies to incorporate the Elements and Mediums of theatre and Evaluating their own work and the work of others. They are taken to see a professional production every term in either London, Oxford or Stratford.
There is a two year AS/A2 Course available in the VI Form. The girls study a wide range of theatre styles, from classical Greek and Elizabethan texts, to French farce, 19th Century Realism and a wide variety of contemporary plays. The study is primarily practical but also involves coursework and a written examination. Students are taken to see productions in London, Stratford and Oxford.
Speech and Drama lessons are available as an optional extra. In the first three years the girls work in small groups learning skills to help them through their Trinity examinations. In the final four years they choose to work as a soloist or in a pair towards a LAMDA examination that generally culminates in achieving their Grade 8 Gold Medal by the time they leave the school.
OFF CURRICULUM
See more in the ARTS section of the website: http://www.wycombeabbey.com/drama.php
