Behind the Curtains: Reflections on the Impact on the School Production on Students’ Life Skills

Following the end of the latest school production, Ms Want, Head of Performance Drama, shares a few reflections on the show itself, the process of bringing it to fruition and the life skills that pupils benefit from when involved in a ‘professional’ production.

I am once again so immensely proud of the whole company, for a variety of reasons. In part, it’s their responses to the teaching and direction that they receive, and it is also for the amazing bonding exercise that an activity like this has had on a group of people assembled across ages, gender and abilities. 

It is hard to communicate all the elements of the production experience, that is sampled by all the participants, over the whole term period. It is not simply about the week of performance or the fun of dressing up, dancing and singing. It also requires the co-operation of the whole school, for which I am always extremely grateful.

“Grease”, being a well-known and loved show was selected in order to proactively deliver a special buzz amongst students. This it did, and it was sustained all the way through to the last night. 

There can be no doubt that the show was a hit with participants and audience members alike. The success of any such live production can be put down to the input, commitment and desire to make it work, of those on the stage, and those behind the scenes bringing the performers and the stage to life. 

Discipline

Performing and entertaining is a serious business which any professional actor, singer or entertainer of any kind will confirm. The best possess iron discipline and a relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Our students learn to perform, they learn for the performance, and they learn as they perform. They understand and accept too that as well being fun and engaging, the creative process can drag, with a lot of waiting around and repetition, that is absolutely necessary to the outcome,. The best performers also respect and are gracious to others, regardless of status. Egos of course exist, but the best appreciate that all players are intrinsic to the production’s overall success. 

Inevitably, the auditioning process can throw up disappointments, but responses to setbacks offer one of many life skills that theatre and drama performance give.

Teamwork and Life skills

Teamwork, respect, personal discipline are just the start. Add in vocal expression, physical strength, cultural awareness, confidence building, presentation skills – a performance experience of this type gives all the cast members a huge sample of the all round development skills that Drama GCSE and A Level students already know and experience.

The Brewery

With particular reference to the annual Michaelmas show, the contribution that the use of The Brewery gives is almost immeasurable. Being in and working on the show is a major lift and achievement for all cast members. To be able to do it in a real, professional theatre brings an additional motivational dimension to the experience.

The part that Brewery staff themselves play goes a long way to making it a success, and the students get a genuine sense of the professionalism required in performing. 

In summary

Once again, I am indebted to all staff, and not just those who directly contributed to the production and logistics processes. I also appreciate so much, the role that the wider school has to play and flexibility of all teaching, Works, catering and house staff throughout the term, during rehearsals and other disruptions to lessons and other activities. It’s all part of the teamwork required. 

Any feedback you can glean from colleagues or pupils would be greatly received, but most importantly, I hope you benefit from the positivity that this show and others have brought. The great thing about theatre and performance generally, is that they are all winners!

Images from the show can be found on Facebook.