At Ashville we put Performing Arts centre stage, as it not only provides opportunities to develop creative passions but also to teach communication, teamwork, commitment and leadership from a young age.
We start early supporting pupils’ talents and nurturing future stars under the guidance of our dedicated Prep School Performing Arts Coordinator, Carole Carpenter who teaches from Acorns (ages 2-4) through to Year 6. Carole visits Acorns every week for a session which includes singing, percussion, movement and responding to a range of different music from around the world. She works closely with Acorns staff and often make links with the topics and special events being enjoyed by the children. She also supports the early years by putting on a Nativity each year, as well as the Easter Bonnet Parade with seasonal songs and movement.
Once in Prep School, every child will get at least one opportunity to perform on stage at some point during each academic year and Drama is also incorporated into the English curriculum. Each class will perform several times in class assemblies throughout the year. Prep School pupils also collaborate to perform nativities, concerts at Christmas and a show in the Summer Term. Additionally, each year group puts on a performance that reflects on topics studied in their classwork. We are very much looking forward to Year 4’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the end of March, Year 5 will be performing The Tempest in May and at the end of the summer term we cannot wait for the two-night spectacular by Year 6 of Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies.
In Senior School, drama and the arts continues under the expert directorship of our Head of Performing Arts, Karl Boyd. Alongside curriculum Drama there are many opportunities to get involved. Hot on the heels of last year’s incredibly successful Little Shop of Horrors, The Addams Family saw our young actors take the Soothill Hall by storm once again. All those who saw it were very impressed by the talents of our pupils and the staff who enabled it to happen.
Here is just one of the many emails we received from an audience member:
“Wow, wow, wow times a billion! What a show – every performance incredible. Tears were shed. What talented children who all love drama. To have such a large band was a delight. (…) Can’t wait for next year’s performance.”
Everyone from Year 7 to Year 13 is invited to audition for the annual Senior School production and it is a wonderful opportunity for friendships to form across year groups. Opportunities are also available behind the scenes in stage management, costume, make up, lighting and set design.
For some of our pupils it was their final curtain call at Ashville but not the end of their time in the spotlight. We are so proud that two of our Addams Family stars will be continuing their Performing Arts studies as they move onto the next stage of their academic journey. Gabriella, who starred at Morticia, has been offered a place for Musical Theatre at Leeds Conservatoire and Eliza, who played Wednesday, has received an offer at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). Gabriella and Eliza (pictured on stage) both joined Ashville in Prep School, and we have loved watching their Performing Arts journey throughout their time here. Having performed in productions every year at Ashville, they leave some big shoes to fill but we wish them every success in their next chapter.
“Being in the Addams Family has been amazing, it is the best way to end my time here at Ashville. Taking part in productions has helped build my confidence and public speaking skills which were so important for my interview to get into LIPA which is something I am incredibly proud of.” – Eliza
“Being in the productions at Ashville has helped me be more confident in what I’m good at and made me realise that this is what I want to do in the future. I’ve met so many wonderful and talented people during these shows and being a part of the family that we have is something I will remember for a long time.” – Gabriella
To discover the holistic education on offer at Ashville from Prep School through to Senior School and book an individual tour call 01423 724863 or contact [email protected]
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