Drama
Prep Drama
Drama plays an important role in the personal development of children and active and fun lessons introduce new skills such as mime, movement and improvisation. Our pupils are encouraged to explore creative expression and gain confidence in performance and public speaking, both in front of their peers and to an audience.
All year groups in the Prep School have a Drama lesson each week with a specialist teacher. The lessons are active and fun, instilling confidence and a love of performing.
There is no shortage of opportunities to perform and shows cover a wide range of genres from musicals and comedy to Shakespeare and literature adaptations. Performances take place each term, either in the beautiful Corinthian Room or the purpose built 200-seat theatre, The Shed. Characters are brought to life with the help of an extensive wardrobe department with over 3,500 costumes and the School’s own Head of Wardrobe.
Upcoming Events
Find out about and book for the upcoming events at the School, from Open Mornings to drama productions, concerts and art exhibitions across the Prep and Senior Schools.
Senior Drama
Drama plays an important part in the cultural life at Cokethorpe. It encourages pupils to think beyond the page, question the world in which they live, formulate their own opinions and develop self-confidence and creativity.
A vibrant calendar of drama performances ensures all pupils have the opportunity to explore a range of genres and acting techniques. The main productions, for which any pupil may audition, are the highlight of the year.
Performances take place in the purpose built, 200-seat theatre, affectionately known as The Shed, and productions are brought to life with an extensive wardrobe with over 3,500 costumes and our own Head of Wardrobe.
Drama at Cokethorpe extends beyond the stage with pupils learning and undertaking the support specialities of sound, lighting, make-up, set design and supporting the wardrobe department.
Welcome to CADA
The Cokethorpe Academy of Dramatic Arts (CADA) was founded in 2023 with a simple imperative: to ensure more children in the School and across Oxfordshire discover and benefit from the transformative benefits of the Dramatic Arts at a high level.
Membership of CADA is open to Sixth Form students at the School through auditions allowing them to embrace a full range of performance skills and explore wider technical support roles.
Discover the many benefits of CADA membership and how to join below.
Why join CADA?
If you have a love of acting, stagecraft, writing and being creative, then CADA is for you.
Beyond the opportunity to study Drama under the tutelage of leading practitioners in an impressive setting, the many benefits of joining CADA include:
This year’s auditions are running from:
Monday 5 February to Wednesday 7 February 2024.
For further details, and to apply, please contact the Admissions Office:
Individual Drama Tuition
In addition to weekly timetabled Drama lessons, we offer pupils in the Prep and Senior Schools the opportunity to receive individual Drama tuition.
Here, pupils can develop their performing skills, knowledge and understanding through one-to-one tuition and group lessons. These lessons are offered during the School day and are set on a rotational timetable, ensuring pupils do not consistently miss any given period or subject.
Pupils attending these extra lessons are encouraged to take a nationally recognised LAMDA qualification, which can be used when applying for university.
Where next?
Admissions Process
Check the processes and requirements for your child’s entry to Cokethorpe, which varies depending on the year group your child will join, through our Admissions Process calculator.
Scholarships and Awards
Our Scholarships and Awards aim to recognise and promote those who embody the attitude and approach to learning that we value, as well as those with a particular aptitude for a subject or activity.
Latest News
The true flavour of a school is best found among the representations of school life, both the day to day and those moments that deliver something a little bit special.
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