Drama
Theatre – “From page to stage”
Involvement in the Strathallan theatre provides pupils with a wealth of opportunities, whether their interest lies in performance or technical support. Under the nurturing and enabling direction of Mrs Robertson-Barnett, this area of the school continues to go from strength to strength.
Previous musical successes have included: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Sweeney Todd; Grease;West Side Story; and Les Misérables. Riley House perfoms an annual show, which this year is Joseph.
Sets for each production are designed and constructed under the tutelage of David Hume, formerly of the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, aided and abetted by Dr Salisbury our workshop manager.
The annual senior School play takes place on the last weekend in the Autumn Term. In recent years there have been productions of three Shakespeare plays, "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "A Christmas Carol." In December 2007, Mrs McFarlane, making use of the pupils who are proficient in performing in Scots dialect and traditional music, directed "The Changling", a play set in the borders in 1600. It is by Robert McLellan, whose centenary has just been celebrated. In contrast, 2008's senior play was "Charley's Aunt", the "evergreen farce" written in the 1890's by Brandon Thomas.
Performers enjoy the cameraderie of the whole experience and their commitment and desire to produce of their best adds a real energy to each term.
Backstage, make up and wardrobe are co-ordinated in-house, and provide an artistic outlet for those who may not wish to perform.
For those whose interest is the technical aspect of a production from page to stage, there are sound engineering workshops and instruction in the use of lighting.
Dance
The provision for dance continues to be increased throughout the school, and is now available as a games option for seniors and an elective active.
Ballet, jazz, modern and theatre dance are thriving under the tutelage of Mrs Stewart our dance instructor and choreographer.
Theatre Trips
Strathallan is ideally placed for easy access to the major theatrical venues in Scotland. Theatre trips are organised in conjunction with the English Department to ensure that pupils are benefiting from the excellent opportunities to see live productions with which we are afforded.
LAMDA
The School has a strong tradition of entering pupils for speech and drama exams offered by LAMDA (The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art). These take place over five days in May and October. Pupils are entered for the full range of the syllabus - acting, mime, devising, the speaking of verse and prose, spoken English, public speaking, reading for performance and for the Riley classes, choral speaking. We are also forming links with local primary Schools, giving their pupils the opportunity to take LAMDA exams at Strathallan.
Festivals
Pupils are also entered for Speech and Drama Classes at the Perth and Edinburgh Competition Festivals and the local Burns Club Festival. Other opportunities to perform include the School's Annual Burns Supper and other concerts.