The Abbey offer the following:

• A year-long Drama enrichment programme, overseen by our Theatre Artist in Residence and our Head of Drama
• A Drama Scholars’ trip every year
• A workshop with an external theatre company or practitioner
• A Drama Scholars’ production (Lower School, Upper School or a Whole School production)
• Mentoring and support from the Drama Department
• A £600 annual discount on fees

What do we expect from our Drama Scholars?

• Regular attendance at Scholars’ club and production rehearsals 
• The ability to make confident, informed acting choices, driven by an understanding of their character
• The commitment to work as directors/co-directors, designers or technical crew
• The ability to discuss drama thoughtfully and perceptively
• The ability to work well with others, in an open and supportive manner
• The ability to work imaginatively and independently
• An open mind, enthusiasm and a sense of humour
• A willingness to try new things
• An interest in live theatre, as both audience and performer
• Willingness to assist the Drama Department at events, including Open Events, and act as role models within the school community
• Scholars are encouraged to participate in performance opportunities, as appropriate, including the Year 7 Pantomime, the Lower School Play, the Upper School Play, and the School Musical

Selection and assessment:

• Acting experience, at school and/or with other organisations, as well as any Speech and Drama qualifications are welcome but not essential
• It is not necessary to take, or intend to take, GCSE Drama, A-level Drama and Theatre, or IB Theatre to apply

For entry into Year 7
Applicants should prepare and learn a two-minute monologue to be taken from the list provided by the department. Applicants will also have a short interview and participate in a group workshop.

For entry into the Sixth Form
Applicants should prepare and learn a two-minute monologue from a play of their choice. The monologue must come from a published play and should not be a poem, an extract from a book, a standalone monologue from the internet, or one that the applicants have written themselves. Applicants will also have a short interview and participate in a group workshop. Applicants should read the whole play that their monologue is taken from, as they will be asked about the play and the character during their interview. Applicants should also be prepared to have their monologue redirected.