In addition to an excellent academic department offering pupils the opportunity to study Drama at GCSE and A Level, there are a range of additional opportunities for passionate young performers to explore and experiment with the subject beyond the constraints of the curriculum.
Facilities
Dramatists at Shiplake College have sole use of the Tithe Barn Theatre, located in the listed Stableyard area of the College campus. This intimate venue thrusts performers in and amongst audience members to create an enthralling atmosphere for productions.
Pupils are often encouraged to experiment with imaginative staging designs to fully utilise the space available. Shiplake actors and actresses have gained a reputation for producing challenging, fearless performances often in unusual spaces.
Scruffy Penguin Theatre Company
Since 2004, the College has had its very own Theatre Company. Scruffy Penguin was formed in 2014 to supersede “The Mad Dogs Theatre Company”, which had fashioned countless high quality drama productions over the past decade.
Many of the shows were held in the Shiplake’s versatile Tithe Barn Theatre, but members of the company often enjoyed performing in unusual locations. Past productions include “Animal Farm”, staged live on a real farm, and “The Arabian Nights”, complete with five tonnes of sand. Boys have also utilised the beautiful Shiplake countryside, including filming a memorable Bugsy Malone car chase.
In August 2016, Scruffy Penguin travelled north to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The group devised their own show called 'Lightless', based on the emotional and poignant story of Gulwali Passarlay, who had to escape a war-torn country. The storyline features unique elements, such as physical theatre. The characters each have their own story to tell about their past experiences, their current challenges and the dreams they have about escaping their present situation.
Co-Curricular Programme
GCSE and A Level Drama students are actively encouraged to join the College’s Theatre Company and immerse themselves fully in the amateur dramatics of Shiplake. As well as plenty of opportunities to take the stage, there are many roles behind the scenes including staging, lighting, costuming and directing. There really is something for everyone.
Younger members of the College also have a lively programme of co-curricular drama activities ranging from the annual Junior Drama Festival to involvement with the senior company’s productions. Add to this a full range of visiting practitioners, including annual street dancing and physical theatre workshops, and a number of varied theatre trips.
LAMDA Lessons
At Shiplake we offer pupils the opportunity to take up LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) classes. Please click here for further information and a booking form.