Drama / Performing

Drama / Performing

What is it? 

Dramatic performances usually consist of an written text being played out on stage by actresses and actors representing the characters for an audience's enjoyment, and can be combined with both music and dance. It comes in many different genres and styles, and is popular throughout the world; attending the theatre and the cinema are some of the most favoured recreational pursuits of all time. 

What does it involve?

There are two sides to dramatic performance - the viewer and the performer! The viewer has a much more passive role, as their purpose is to focus on the entertainers. The onstage performers have a lot more to do; their role involves things such as memorising a script and/or music, learning the correct stage directions and how to perform correctly - but when it all comes together perfectly it makes for great entertainment!

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Having a go at acting can be great for a self confidence boost, and can vastly improve teamwork and communication skills. Students that are particularly shy or have trouble speaking up could benefit greatly from taking some acting lessons - it can help greatly with self esteem. On the other side of things, taking a group to see a play or a musical is a fantastic way to entertain and learn simultaneously, and can often inspire viewers into pursing their own creative endeavors. 

What equipment do we need?

Drama is relatively low on equipment needs when you start out, as it's more about self confidence and expression than how fancy the performance looks! Attending a performance will also require very little; not much more than the entrance fee!

Who is it suitable for?

Performing and watching drama is suitable for anyone to have a go at! Since theatre and acting depends entirely on the performer, the level of engagement can vary from just trying it out to starring in a full production!

Costs?

Attending the theatre or cinema can vary from under £5 to over £50 depending on the production - the more famous the people or the play, the more expensive it will be! Dramatic performing taster sessions/courses will also vary a lot in cost between venues, so make sure to check out the details of everything around you!

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Not everyone will feel immediately confident when it comes to drama and performance, so make sure not to pressure those who are clearly a little more reluctant to dive in.

How do we include?

Everybody should be able to get involved in drama and performance in some manner! Those with learning difficulties may find it the hardest, but with the right setting and assistance everybody should be able to have fun with this activity. 

Doing it abroad?

Students interested in drama/acting will be fascinated by going to see a foreign performance - every country will have their own cultural influences that change the styles and themes of their drama, and the ensuing production will be an unforgettable experience for anyone from the UK and a chance to understand just how society changes around the world. 

Main website: 

Check out individual venue websites to see exactly what sort of activities they have on. 

Venues with this Activity

The Minack Theatre is Cornwall's world famous open-air theatre.

Our SUMMER SEASON of theatre runs from May to September presenting drama, musicals and opera in this most dramatic of settings.

Exportise teaches a variety of sports to children of all levels using the latest coaching techniques. Our resident coaches and representatives are there to make sure that every child goes home with a sense of achievement, fun memories, a group of new friends and the desire to return. We aim to provide a friendly, personal service throughout your holiday.

Welcome to a vibrant world of entertainment and versatile event spaces in two magnificent buildings. Genteel yet lively. Historic yet cosmopolitan. Truly the energy and heart of Cheltenham.

Breathtaking, unique and radiating regency refinement, Pittville Pump Room is Cheltenham’s most spectacular private hire venue.  When not in use, come and sample the fountain’s historically medicinal Spa Waters.

Evesham’s leading venue for live entertainment, offering a diverse programme of events from dance to drama, concerts from rock to classical, comedy, pantomimes, musical theatre, workshops and so much more.

The Iford valley has been occupied since Roman times and the manor house sits idyllically by the Frome river in the steep-sided valley. Iford Manor is mediaeval in origin, the classical facade being added in the eighteenth century when the hanging woodlands above the garden were planted.

The only surviving Regency playhouse in Britain

Theatre Royal is one of Britain's most significant theatre buildings and the only surviving Regency playhouse in the country.

The recently restored Grade I listed theatre offers you an authentic 19th century theatre-going experience, combined with contemporary bar and restaurant for the 21st century theatre-goer.

Our eco award-winning centre is perfectly located to enjoy the Stackpole Estate. The recently upgraded residential centre with theatre, meeting and classroom facilities can accommodate up to 140 guests and is ideal for educational groups, corporate clients, private group hire and family holidays.

A place of great theatre and drama

Seaton Delaval may have been one of the architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s smallest country houses; but it was home to the larger than life Delaval family.

The house and surrounding landscape were in keeping with the style expected in Georgian society, yet behind the formality lies a story of theatrical mischief.  

Wilton's is the world's oldest surviving Grand Music Hall and London's best kept secret. This stunning and atmospheric building is led by Frances Mayhew and produces an exciting programme of imaginative, diverse and distinct entertainment including theatre, music, comedy, cinema and cabaret.

 

The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden is the UK's premier operatic venue. Each year the Royal Opera Company produces new productions sung by the biggest stars on the planet. While the Royal Ballet, featuring some of the greatest dancers around, including many guest artists, performs a vast repertoire of both classic and modern pieces.

Music and Theatre at the Barbican

The Barbican welcomes the world's top soloists and musicians in both classical and contemporary music.

We offer the greatest music in our concert hall and world-class theatre in our performance space, which is the London home of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of attractions:

The park is located half a mile from Bilston Town Centre. The park opened in 1911 as a memorial to Sir Alfred Hickman, a local industrialist and former MP.

The Priory Theatre is a community-run theatre in Kenilworth, Warwickshire producing our own in-house shows. From drama to comedy, crime thrillers, musicals and pantomimes, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Take advantage of the many activities offered at Grendon's countryside location. Flexible accommodation, homemade food and a friendly atmosphere make it the perfect place for a residential visit for early years upwards.

Our Arts in Education provision has been maintained through a specific emphasis on Youth Theatre, Dance and Visual Art Courses (see below), Sandfield Theatre and a considerable expansion of the Music Service.

Exciting spy-themed adventure centre in Northampton for anyone over 6 years.

Your Mission: infiltrate the ship and stop the terrorists from launching the missile! The mission ends with an adrenalin pumping escape, you and your friends will feel like real spies!

Built in 1582 as a Merchant's House and set in the beautiful Waterlow Park, Lauderdale House is a Grade II listed building and now runs primarily as an arts and education centre, welcoming over 65,000 visitors each year.

Exhibitions & Fairs

If you love Performing Arts we offer top quality training taught by industry professionals at Pineapple Dance Studios.

At Pineapple Performing Arts we have something for everyone! Our classes range from children aged three to teenagers and also adult courses for any age from beginners to advanced.

Stratford's premier cinema.

Penyrheol Theatre is situated in the heart of Gorseinon and forms part of Penyrheol Leisure Centre, which is heart of Gorseinon with direct and easy links to Junction 47 of the M4.

The Orange Tree Theatre is a 172-seat theatre which was built specifically as a theatre in the round. It is housed within a disused 1867 primary school, built in Victorian Gothic style.

See a show at one of the West Midlands' most famous venues! Visit our website for full details.

Tours

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to go backstage at the Alex? Why not book one of our backstage theatre tours? Each tour will give you a unique insight into one of the most historic theatres in the West Midlands

Our venues are loaded with history and have a wealth of stories to tell. 

Earls Court One opened for business in 1937 with the Chocolate and Confectionery Exhibition, and was joined in 1991 by Earls Court Two which still boasts Europe’s biggest unsupported roof span.

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