Drama
The Layard Theatre is home to the busy Drama Department, which currently has around seventy students studying Drama and Theatre Arts at GCSE, AS and A Level. The building provides a dynamic classroom - an exciting environment in which to study and explore both practically and academically.
All pupils have stage potential and their involvement facilitates the development of a wide range of skills and disciplines. Drama is a powerful unifying force which encourages confidence and teamwork and brings out the best in young people, as well as being fun and providing the opportunity for a real sense of achievement.
The teaching aims to cater for a full range of ability, personality and temperament, so all individuals can realise their potential without losing sight of the responsibilities involved in role play, or of the need to examine critically the implications of 'playing a part'.
Pupils are also expected, through practical activities and the study and investigation of plays, to develop an understanding of the purposes of drama socially, culturally, historically and educationally, and to explore the way in which a playwright's intentions can be realised on the stage.
Christopher Thomas – Head of Drama
Chris studied English and Drama at the University of London and The Central School of Speech and Drama. After several years working in advertising and on the London fringe theatre scene, he completed a PGCE in Drama and English at Cambridge University. He gained considerable teaching experience in a number of schools before taking a year out to study creative writing under Andrew Motion, Jo Shapcott and Susannah Jones. Having now completed his MA in Creative Writing, he teaches drama at all levels within the school.
Laura Blake
After studying towards a BA (Hons) in Drama, Applied Theatre and Education, Laura remained at The Central School of Speech and Drama to complete her PGCE. Although very interested in the skills and history involved in Drama education, it is the application of Drama as a tool for development and discovery that particularly interests her. She has recently completed an MA in Performance Practices and Research, once more at CSSD, that focused on the pedagogical uses of performance and live art to explore complex philosophical questions regarding concepts of meaning, truth and humanity. Laura joined Canford in September 2011.
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