Harrow School
ARTS >DRAMA

 

Drama at Harrow

From a young Harrovian's first term, when he will help to stage a twenty minute drama presentation, he will be encouraged to pursue an interest in some aspect of play production, whether in acting, set design and construction, stage management, lighting and sound, writing or direction.

In most academic years there are about fourteen plays. The annual programme typically involves two major School productions of which one is often a musical, five or six full-length House Plays, a Revue, a play in a modern European language, a Classical play (usually in its original language with surtitles), one or two plays written and directed by boys, and an opera or pantomime.

Some productions enlist the help of local girls' schools. Theatre Studies is a popular AS and A-level subject.

Facilities

Royal Hunt The Ryan Theatre is one of the newest and finest school theatres in Britain, equipped to modern, professional standards.

It seats 390 people, with an orchestra pit that can accommodate up to 28 musicians. It holds a workshop for scenery construction, a very well-stocked wardrobe with a dedicated Wardrobe Mistress and a Properties Store. On the Ryan's staff are two full-time adult theatre technicians, who teach pupils so that they are able to do the lighting, sound, stage management, and special effects (including video and computer-assisted design).

A special feature of Harrow Drama is that every summer a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Playhouse is constructed inside Speech Room. Two of his plays are performed there: one by the boys and one by the Old Harrovian Players.

Learning from the professionals

Macbeth Directors drawn from Harrow's teaching staff are highly experienced, with much professional work as well as youth theatre behind them. In addition to our own performances, visiting professional companies regularly present plays, recitals and opera. The Drama department takes advantage of the proximity of London's West End to organise trips to the theatre.

Dates for your diary

The School warmly invites parents and family of the boys, prospective parents, visitors, Old Harrovians and anyone who lives in the Harrow area to come and enjoy events at the School.

For details of specific events you can search the School Calendar database, or you can download the Arts Calendar for this term in pdf form by clicking here.

You can also contact the Theatre Secretary for more information on 020 8872 8344 or email theatre@harrowschool.org.uk.