Performing arts provision in London

[MN164]

I'd be interested in the list of schools in North, Central and West London that people feel has a particularly strong drama department. Every school I've seen has decent drama in the school curriculum, but which ones have the most opportunities to participate and perhaps also "excel"?

[taxi4ballet]

Have you had a look on notapushymum.com? Loads of posters on there with dc's who do drama/dance/musical theatre, and a lot have professional work & agents as well (TV & film etc).

There are bound to be some who are London-based and could help.

[basildonbond]

Alleyn's has a fantastically well-resourced drama department - there are lots of opportunities for all year groups to get involved and the standard is exceptionally high, but may not be quite central enough for you?

[balletgirlmum]

BRIT school?

[MN164]

Brit and Alleyns would be worth a good look but are too hard to get to for us. Thanks.

[wheresmyAga]

If you can't find a school that offers everything you're looking for, this could be a good alternative in north London.

[Katymac]

Arts Ed, Italia Conti are fee paying as Tring & Redroofs but they are 'out' of London

this is supposed to be good too

[Clavinova]

The Arts Educational School in Chiswick?

Can you search for schools offering drama/performing arts scholarships? That would give you some indication of how committed a school is to its drama productions (try the Good Schools Guide). Even some state schools in and around London offer 'performing arts scholarships' I believe.

[MN164]

Thanks for the many suggestions. However, the locations of most are too far from N/Central/W for us. Also, I'm not look for an out and our drama school (e.g. Italia Conti), but a "normal" school with great drama.

Good idea on the "scholarships" and "specialities" front.

I did some digging and these seem to push drama to the front of their offering (inc. scholarships etc).

I know about these schools generally, but not heard about their drama provision specifically. I also wonder which others are out there with a decent drama budget.

Emanuel
City of London Girls
Forest
Highgate Wood
St Marylebone
North Bridge House
Mill Hill School
Godolphin & Latymer

[ealingwestmum]

Have you ruled out Latymer Upper MN? I know they don't offer drama scholarships before 16+ and couldn't tell you first hand about the drama provision but I hear from existing parents that it is pretty strong?

[MN164]

Not ruled out at all and will add to my list. Thanks.

[OffTheBackOfALaurie]

Join a really good Youth Theatre run by the Lyric Hammersmith, or The Roundhouse or ArtsDepot, for example. Usually better for performance experience and skills than school drama.

[Katymac]

this thread on NaPM has some interesting thoughts on high school drama

[Needmoresleep]

You might also look at the Centre for Advanced Training scheme run by a group of specialist Institutions in Central and East London, including the Laban and the National Centre for Circus Arts. I don't know if it still running but the aim was to allow promising performers to pick up a range of skills as an alternative to attending a dance/drama school. All outside school, obviously, but any high level performance training is likely to be outside school.

[Katymac]

As can Sat/sun associates for an older child(14+ for some)

Places like Urdang, London Studio Centre, IC do weekend (& sometimes evening associates)
Plus places like Stinson Stage Academy who appear to be changing their name

[Clavinova]

There seems to be quite a lot of info on the websites of the schools you've listed; a quick search reveals that Emanuel School Drama Department has its own twitter account with nearly a thousand tweets and City of London Girls stage a musical with the boys' school every year. You could also perhaps look at online editions of last year's school magazine and diary/calendar - any productions will be listed in the school diary.

[jafferabbas]

A bit late to the party but do check out www.izully.com for local performing arts classes for kids in North and East London.