“Thank you so much for supporting me through my drama career in Oundle and giving me endless opportunities in and around the Stahl. I have enjoyed every role I have been given; thank you for giving me so much direction as an actor and helping me improve my skills.”
Luke Seymour Drama Scholar
“The Stahl Theatre at Oundle School operates as a professional theatre venue. Our in-house productions sit side-byside with professional touring work, and the pupils are supported by a highly experienced team of theatre technicians. Through our Drama Scholarship programme, we are looking to support dedicated and passionate performers or theatre technicians who want to explore and develop their theatre practice. We look to our Drama Scholars to lead by example and be an inspiration to their peers. In return we offer first-rate theatre training, seeking to nurture and foster the theatre-makers of the future.”
Naomi Baker Director of the Stahl Theatre
OUR APPROACH
The centrepiece of the Drama Scholarship programme at Oundle is the Scholars’ Studio. This is both a physical space in the heart of Old Dryden, and a guiding principle. We believe that alongside the plentiful opportunities that exist to perform in School and House productions at the Stahl, Drama Scholars should take the creative lead.
Through their sustained involvement in the Scholars’ Studio, pupils are supported to create and curate their own work. As their journey through the School progresses, Drama Scholars are expected to take increased responsibility in the management of the Studio.
WORKING WITH THEATRE PRACTITIONERS
We offer opportunities for Drama Scholars to meet and work with a range of theatre practitioners through workshops and masterclasses. We have recently worked with:
● Jez Bond, Artistic Director, Park Theatre
● Alecky Blythe, Playwright
● Gary Beestone, Production Manager on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
● Amy Fisher, Producer, Stephen Joseph Theatre
● Abigail Matthews, Puppeteer on War Horse
● Carolyn Downing, Olivier Award-winning Sound Designer
COULD YOU BE OUR NEXT DRAMA SCHOLAR?
We are looking for potential; someone with a passion for theatre who is dedicated to honing their craft and creating theatre of the highest standard. You will no doubt be ambitious but you will also be interested in fostering leadership within the Arts. We value individuals who will be good role models for others, who will lead by example, seize opportunities and lead their own projects.
At 13+
We offer both Drama Scholarships and a Technical Theatre Scholarship. Assessment will involve a morning spent at Oundle working on the Stahl stage with the Head of Drama and the Director of the Stahl. Applicants will be asked to take part in a workshop with other candidates and will then perform a short speech. Technical Theatre candidates will be asked to present a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their interest or experience in one or more aspects of theatre production. The final part of the process is an interview where we encourage candidates to talk about productions they have been involved in and other work they have enjoyed. Some acting candidates will also have portfolios of work they have been in or seen and this is the perfect time to talk these through.
At 16+
There is a further opportunity for pupils to be rewarded for their commitment and dedication to the theatre and to Drama Scholarship as they move from Fifth Form to Lower Sixth. The Wontner Scholarship is awarded to one pupil who is pursuing drama at A level who has shown sustained excellence in the subject. Assessment for those applying from outside the School will be conducted via a written paper and interview with the Director of the Stahl/Head of Drama. This candidate will also become part of the Scholars’ Studio
We are keen that the Scholars’ Studio is a dynamic body of proactive pupils. There will be a yearly review at which point pupils from outside the Scholarship programme may be invited to join the Studio. Pupils whose interests have grown in a different direction may also step down from the Studio.
OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR SCHOLARS
We are committed to supporting the individual journeys of our Drama Scholars; nurturing their talent and encouraging them to lead and inspire others. We offer:
● A tailored pathway for each Scholar, based on individual aims, objectives and passions defined at an entry meeting with the Director of the Stahl
● Involvement in, and influence over, the programming of productions at the Stahl Theatre through termly meetings with other members of The Scholars’ Studio
● Opportunities to be involved in all aspects of the theatrical process, including acting, design, stage management and directing
● A dedicated Scholars’ Studio in which to direct, perform, light and design productions outside the main theatre programme. Full support and guidance from the Director of the Stahl and the Stahl technical team is offered
● A bespoke Teams channel focusing on both promoting and supporting Scholars in theatrical opportunities, including TV/film auditions, summer schools, NY and NYMT
● A diverse programme of lectures, workshops and talks from experienced theatre professionals
● An annual funded Scholars’ Away Day
● Free tickets to all School and touring productions at the Stahl Theatre.
“School productions are often staffed almost entirely by pupils who work as Stage Managers, Lighting and Sound Technicians, Costume Supervisors and Dressers.”
DRAMA AT OUNDLE SCHOOL
An integral part of the Stahl Theatre’s ethos is that all pupils gain a professional experience of theatre. Oundle has a dedicated team of theatre professionals, comprising the Director of the Stahl, a Theatre Manager, a Production Manager, two further theatre technicians and a Costume Designer. The main auditorium has a seating capacity of 264, while further studios and rehearsal rooms give plentiful opportunities for drama teaching, all aspects of theatre production and informal performance.
Across the drama curriculum, all elements of performance are taught, with pupils learning collaboration, communication and self-awareness, as well as use of voice, improvisation, interpretation of play texts and devised work.
POTENTIAL JOURNEY OF A DRAMA SCHOLAR
Whilst we actively support our Scholars to work across various theatrical disciplines, the following indicative journeys reflect some of the many opportunities available.
All Scholars are encouraged to get involved in both House and School plays and to take Drama at GCSE level. We encourage all Scholars to take Theatre Studies at A level but this is not prerequisite for 13+ Drama Scholars.
10 School and House productions in an average year
10 Further professional touring productions
BURSARIES
All Scholarship applicants are encouraged to apply for means-tested bursaries should they need financial support. We are proud that over one hundred pupils at Oundle are supported with bursaries and we are continually working to increase our Bursary Endowment Fund.
THE OUNDLE SCHOLARSHIP
Talented candidates who have a genuine interest and ability in two or more of our Scholarship disciplines are invited to consider applying for an Oundle Scholarship. An Oundle Scholarship recognises and celebrates the qualities we look for in all our pupils: high academic standards together with significant commitment to the wider life of the School.
Assessment includes social and communication skills, mental dexterity and the ability to influence and lead others positively by argument and example. Oundle Scholars are offered access to elements of the Academic Scholarship Programme, as well as to many of the enrichment opportunities provided for Scholars in their two areas of particular interest.
“Not only do you learn how to act to the best of your ability, but you take away other things such as confidence and the freedom of being yourself.”
Mirabel Agyemang Drama Scholar
Actor
Third Form Fourth Form Fifth Form
Lower Sixth
● Trips to Drama School open days/university drama courses
Upper Sixth
● Participation in the Scholars’ Studio
● Continued involvement in the Scholars’ Studio
● Encouragement and support for applications to NYT and NYMT
● Increased responsibility in the Scholars’ Studio
● Encouragement and support for applications to NYT and NYMT
● Support with Theatre/ Drama-based applications/auditions
● A leading role on the Scholars’ Studio committee
● Support for applications to NYT and NYMT
● Encouragement of involvement in external summer schools
● Trips to Drama School open days/university drama courses
● Support with Theatre/ Drama-based applications/auditions
● A leading role on the Scholars’ Studio committee
● Support for applications to NYT and NYMT
● Connections with OOs and industry professionals.
Director
● Participation in the Scholars’ Studio
● Involvement in the staff-directed Lower School production
● Continued participation the Scholars’ Studio
● Involvement in the staff-directed Senior production or musical
● Increased responsibility in the Scholars’ Studio
● Support with Theatre/ Drama-based applications/auditions
● Direction of Sixth Form production/ House play
● A specific role within the Scholars’ Studio committee
● Direction of Sixth Form production/ House play
● A leading role in the Scholars’ Studio
● Connection with OOs and industry professionals.
Technician
● Electives in lighting and sound, set and props, costume and make-up
● Theatre Support Award via STSG
● Show role on School production – Assistant Stage Manager/ dresser
● Involvement in the Scholars’ Studio
● Electives in lighting and sound, set and props, costume and make-up
● Theatre Support Award via STSG
● Show role on School production – Deputy Stage Manager
● Involvement in the Scholars’ Studio
● Increasing seniority of show roles in School productions, such as Stage Manager and Head
● Increased involvement in the Scholars’ Studio
● Support for applications to NYT and NYMT
● Increasing seniority of show roles in School productions, such as Stage Manager and Head
● Collaboration with the Stahl team to design School productions
● Specific role on the Scholars’ Studio committee
● Support for Technical theatre courses postOundle with visits as appropriate
● Support for applications to NYT and NYMT
CONTACT DETAILS
Naomi Baker, Director of the Stahl Theatre nmb@oundleschool.org.uk
Matt Burlington, Head of Drama mb@oundleschool.org.uk
The Admissions Office
● A leading design role on the Scholars’ Studio productions
● Advice and support on routes into the industry post-Oundle
● Connection with OOs and industry professionals.
For any general questions or Scholarship assessment related queries, please contact the Admissions Office: Tel: 01832 277125
admissions@oundleschool.org.uk
The Worshipful Company of Grocers
Oundle has its origin in a grammar school founded in 1556 by Sir William Laxton, who was Master of the Worshipful Company of Grocers eight times between 1536 and 1552 and Lord Mayor of London in 1544.
The Grocers’ Company is one of the oldest Livery Companies of the City of London and ranks second in the order of precedence. Under the terms of the will of Sir William Laxton, the Grocers’ Company gives generously to charity when its means allow and continues to demonstrate its support for the School through the provision of bursaries and grants. The School’s Governing Body consists of seventeen members, including eight Governors nominated by the Court of the Grocers’ Company.
www.oundleschool.org.uk