Productions

Over the years we have developed a reputation for highly impressive and innovative production work at JAGS.  Staff-directed productions are mounted through the year; the autumn term for Years 10-13. Rehearsals usually take place three times a week, after school for the Senior show. Four full day rehearsals at the weekend are necessary to mount a full scale production. We often collaborate with Dulwich College for the Senior Show. This autumn saw the creation of Ned's Company, which aims to build on the long history of young actors from both schools working together, extending opportunities to perform at Dulwich & JAGS and beyond. 

The Junior Production is rehearsed in one intensive period after the school exams in June. This gives the younger girls the experience of working like a professional ensemble and Year 12 Theatre Studies students often help direct the piece. 

We approach performance using a variety of styles and influences. We look for contrasts from one year to the next particularly to encourage pupils with different skills to be involved.  We celebrate large scale ensemble theatre to offer as much performance opportunity as possible.

Productions are open to everyone in the appropriate age group. Usually around 200 Juniors will sign up for one of several group auditions held after school, led by the directors and others involved. The policy is to assess what we see on the day; to look for potential, and for girls that respond quickly and imaginatively to new material. We choose the most appropriate pupils for the show, but are mindful of those who have had major roles, and of those who have not had opportunities before, when recall and casting decisions are being made. The Junior production can involve very large numbers.

We co-direct these productions and we often collaborate with the music department.

Click here for Gallery and the production photo archive.

Speech and Drama

About 150 pupils in Years 7 - 9 choose to pay for group private Speech and Drama lessons held during lunch times and in the Activity periods. All the teaching is geared toward the English Speaking Board specification. Several pupils in Year 10 and 11 have individual or group skills training, by arrangement.

Technical Crews         

Mr Feasey establishes a team of pupils with technical interest who will assist and sometimes take full responsibility for designing and operating sound and lighting for the numerous additional events in the theatre. They will be involved in the technical preparation for productions and events in the Theatre, learning safe practice and developing their skills.

Drama Clubs Year 7 - 9

Year 13 run a drama club on a Monday lunchtime exclusively for Year 9 and Year 12 hold a similar club on a Wednesday lunchtime for Year 7 and 8. This is an ideal opportunity for those girls who are really keen to extend their skills and experiment with dramatic styles. The clubs both have a public performance opportunity in the summer term.

Aims

• Gain Confidence
• Work with girls from other classes and year groups
• Improve your performance techniques

Key features

• Physical Warm Ups
• Vocal Warm Ups
• Theatre Games
• Improvisation techniques
• Characterisation/Storytelling/Script Work 

Castings and Professional Companies

We advertise auditions for companies such as the National Youth Theatre and encourage those who are interested to have the experience of outside workshops. Casting agents are welcomed into the school to observe classes or to run their own auditions. Several girls have been lucky enough to be selected for television, film or theatre roles.

House Drama

The 2010 House Drama competition is new to JAGS this academic year. The competition gives the girls opportunities to experiment  as actors, directors and technicians. We celebrate strength in ensemble in the Drama Department and have been very impressed with the girls approach to the rehearsals.  The process has given the sixth form drama students a real insight into what it takes to be a successful director and has also allowed the younger girls to form strong bonds with people who are in their house, but not necessarily in their form. Each house had 4 weeks to direct and produce a 20 minute extract from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Daisy Pulls it off, The Golden Goose and Beauty and the Beast. 

 Click here for the most recent Drama department calendar