Performing Arts
Music and Drama are an integral and valued part of School life at The Beacon from Reception upwards, and these areas continue to grow in strength every year. We are honoured and proud to have been shortlisted for the Independent Schools of the Year Award 2022 in the Performing Arts (Music & Drama) category.
Music and Drama are an integral and valued part of Beacon life and these areas continue to grow in strength year on year. Our video below gives a snapshot of our Performing Arts Department:
Our Performing Arts facilities include a 220-seat purpose-built theatre, dedicated LAMDA teaching room, studio theatre, large music teaching room, a music technology suite with MAC computers, eight practice rooms and drum pod, all of which truly enhance the performing experience for our boys.
Around 300 boys currently receive weekly music tuition for a whole range of instruments from a large team of specialist teachers, who provide a high calibre of music teaching. The range of ensembles available for our boys to join includes two wind bands, mini strings, two guitar ensembles, a full orchestra, rock band and two theory groups. Ensembles are provided for all standards and instruments, developing the musicianship of those starting their musical journeys and supporting our stronger musicians, many of whom go on to achieve Music scholarships at a range of senior schools.
Sing your way to a happy life is a firm motto in the Performing Arts department. The Beacon has a passion for singing, and we feel it helps express emotions. With five choirs, from Little Voices to Vintage Voices, our whole Beacon Community has the opportunity to sing.
Over 100 boys currently receive weekly LAMDA tuition, which is delivered in small groups, duos and, as the boys get older, in solo tuition. All boys have the opportunity to perform in either playlets, such as scenes from Macbeth, or major productions like Beauty and the Beast Jr, Grease Jr and Christmas productions. Additional extra-curricular drama is offered through year appropriate drama clubs and holiday workshops, which explore a variety of performance techniques.
Our boys also enjoy numerous Performing Arts trips and tours. The Upper School Beacon Voices choir have toured on many occasions, including to Europe and New York. Boys have even taken productions to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the latest being Guys and Dolls Jr in 2022, which was an outstanding success.
Performing Arts will help your son to develop skills in performance and characterisation. We love watching our boys visibly grow in confidence and creativity through their time here, improving their communication, teamwork, collaboration and improvisation abilities.
