Beyond the stage: How Drama supports Oliver’s academic ambitions

For Year 12 pupil Oliver, Drama is an important part of an ambitious academic programme. Studying Economics, Mathematics and Drama at A-level, he hopes to pursue Economics at the University of Edinburgh, with a longer-term interest in a career as a strategist. Alongside his academic studies, Oliver has embraced the opportunities offered by Sedbergh’s Drama department, from playing a leading role in Les Misérables to taking on Tony in the forthcoming production of West Side Story.

Here, Oliver reflects on the confidence, friendships and transferable skills he has developed through Drama, and why he believes performing has an important place alongside academic study.

What subjects are you studying at A-level, and what are your ambitions beyond Sedbergh?

Currently, I’m studying Economics, Maths and Drama at A-level. I’m hoping to study a branch of Economics at Edinburgh University. Economics is probably my favourite subject at the moment, then Drama second (mostly because Maths is quite difficult!).

Why did you choose to study Drama alongside your other A-level subjects?

I think the main reason to have Drama in my schedule is that it builds a confidence which you can’t get anywhere else. In a way, because I do Drama as a subject at school, I can almost link it to extra revision, as we use a lot of key terms that I need to learn for my A-level exams. But mostly, I just really enjoy spending my time performing, so having time for myself to do the things I love is very important to me.

How did you first become involved in Drama at Sedbergh?

I first became involved with Drama at the Prep School. My old school never really had many opportunities to get involved in big show productions. So, when we first did Madagascar the Musical when I was in Year 7, this really opened my eyes to something worth striving towards.

We then had trips up to see Drama productions at the Senior School (The 39 Steps was the first one we saw), and that really gave me a goal to strive towards. I also went for an Academic and Drama scholarship to Sedbergh in Year 8, which helped me gain confidence going into my first year at Sedbergh.

What do you particularly enjoy about musical theatre, and what challenges does your role as Tony in West Side Story present?

Musicals have always been my favourite productions to perform in, not only because I love singing, but because they bring people together. Whether you’re an ensemble member or a lead, everyone is singing together, and I feel you don’t get that in regular productions.

I also love meeting new people every year, and making connections through the productions really helps me to meet people with similar personalities to me.

This year, I will be playing the role of Tony, who falls in love with Maria, who is in a rival gang to his. The play involves how he uses tactics to decide how he will live his life with Maria, whilst facing obstacles such as Maria’s brothers and cousins.

This role requires a more intimate connection with another character, which I have never done before. Having these challenges forces me out of my comfort zone, which is one of the main reasons I do Drama, so I am grateful for having opportunities to express myself in different ways every year.

What skills have you developed through Drama, and how might they support your academic and career ambitions?

I think the main skill I have picked up through Drama is my confidence. Having this is such a vital skill for the future and my academics. Having the skill to talk to big crowds at once is difficult to pick up, but having done Drama, it almost becomes second nature.

I think this will help with my future, as I would like to strive towards being a strategist, which requires confidence to share your ideas with bosses and colleagues.

How do you balance Drama rehearsals with your academic studies and other interests?

I find it tricky at times (especially in production season) to find free time. But I believe that having at least one term in a year of hard work every day is important for building character and developing yourself as a person.

I find that I still have time to focus on my academics, and now, being in Year 12 with libs, I can manage those to spend half my time studying for academics and half for Drama and Music.

Having that split is important for me, as I don’t want to have a simple structure to my day because I find it quite boring. Having busy days is more enjoyable for me as I strive to become the best version of myself.

What has being part of Sedbergh’s Drama department meant to you?

I am very grateful for being a part of the Drama department at Sedbergh. Being treated as a professional performer and having high-standard productions have really given me opportunities I will never forget.

I’ve made relationships with people I would never have expected to, and set new achievements for myself I never would’ve thought possible. The level and expectations of productions at Sedbergh are so different from anything I have ever witnessed before.

What has been your proudest moment in Sedbergh Drama?

I think Les Misérables last year was the highlight of my time in Sedbergh Drama. Being able to play one of the hardest and most respected roles in musical theatre was a very proud moment for me and my family.

Do you see Drama continuing to play a part in your life beyond Sedbergh?

I think Drama will almost certainly play a part in my future outside of Sedbergh. Being at Edinburgh University will hopefully give me the chance to perform at the Fringe every August, and who knows? Maybe further down the line, I will be performing in big shows around the world.

What makes the standard of Drama productions at Sedbergh stand out?

I don’t think you can get this level of productions at any other non-Drama school in the country. The level that everything is taken to is above the standard of anything I have ever seen before in schools.

What would you say to an academically ambitious pupil considering Drama?

If you are an academically ambitious pupil and looking to build your personal statement, Drama is one of the best things you can have there. It shows you have the guts to speak and perform in front of hundreds of people.

Has studying Drama influenced your university plans?

I had a look at my options for university, and for the course I’m looking to do, I found out they favour Drama over lots of other subjects. I think this is because of the many factors and skills you can gain from the subject.