BUDDING thespians took their theatre studies to extraordinary lengths while examining the great bard.
Richmond School and Sixth Form College students acted, directed, reviewed and even formed the props in a performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The physical theatre production of the classic comedy saw the cast form a house, a forest, even a throne giving an ensemble performance to remember.
Year 9 pupils took the opportunity to critique the show, staged as part of the National Shakespeare Festival, with the reviews counting towards their Arts Award.
Students spent two months rehearsing for a show that made its public debut at Whitely Bay Theatre.
Teachers, family and friends then enjoyed a repeat of the reduced-to-30-minutes performance at the school, which featured 21 Year 8-13 students.
Drama teacher and director Amy Southworth-Gedye said: “It has been brilliant and the students absolutely loved it.
“They relished the physical theatre element which saw them make theatre right before the audience’s eyes. It was scripted in original Shakespearean language and we spent a lot of time ensuring they understood the meaning.”
For sixth former Max Ferguson the production was a chance to be on both sides of the stage. As Demetrius he had one of the starring roles but he also acted as the director’s creative right hand man.
“Watching Max mentor and direct the younger children has been joyous and he has done a fantastic job,” Miss Southworth-Gedye said.
The opportunity will also help hone the skills of the 17-year-old, of Middleton Tyas, as he will make his director’s debut in February at the Georgian Theatre, Richmond, with Chat Rooms, as part of the National Open Act Play Festival on Valentine’s Day.
“I have loved performing since primary school and theatre is my passion,” he said. “I have eight auditions coming up in the next two months and I hope to go to drama school. One day I would love to join the National Theatre or Frantic Assembly and have my own theatre company.”
Richmond School and Sixth Form College places great emphasis on drama as a means to stimulate students’ creativity and develop their communications skills and self-confidence.
Drama is taught to all students in Years 7 and 8 who have the option to study it at BTEC in Year 9, GCSE and A/AS Levels, as well as learn from professional actors and perform in theatres.
Thirteen-year-old Subin Pariyar, of Catterick, who played Bottom in the play, said: “I feel very proud to have taken part and have loved working with the older students, who I now see as friends.”
