Drama Scholarships
The Pathway
Drama scholars are entitled to attend all theatre trips organised by the Drama department, free of charge, to develop their understanding of professional performance and staging. Scholars are also entitled to free LAMDA lessons in one discipline to help them hone their craft. College pupils meet with the Head of Co-curricular Drama to discuss potential career paths and explore opportunities for further experience in the performing arts world and will have the opportunity to assist with the direction of the major school productions, as well as being supported to run any plays they wish to stage themselves. Scholars at 11+ are expected to have extracurricular lessons in either LAMDA/Arts Award or something similar as well as having a keen involvement in amateur dramatics and school productions.
Expectations of Drama Scholars
Under the direction of the Assistant Head (Co-curricular) and Headmaster of St Mary’s Hall, all pupils who hold Drama Scholarships will be expected to demonstrate full participation in the Performing Arts and cultural life of Stonyhurst College or St Mary’s Hall. This will include involvement in internal and external competitions, drama workshops as well as productions. All Drama Scholars will be expected to participate in College drama, primarily the three major College productions. Lower Line Drama Scholars are required to take GCSE Drama as a subject option. Higher Line Drama Scholars are expected to provide significant directorial support for the Lower Grammar Play in the Easter Term and organisational support of the Great Academies Showcase in the Summer Term. Scholars are expected to be leaders in drama. Apart from attending regular drama classes, scholars will be expected to join drama and musical theatre activities and play an important role in the support and rehearsal process for school productions.
The progress of all scholars, as well as their conduct, must remain satisfactory at all times. Additionally, older scholars may mentor younger scholars. Awards given at 11+ are retained into the College, subject to scholars continuing to meet the criteria above. In practice, we anticipate that most scholars will retain their award throughout their time at Stonyhurst.
Criteria and process for applications
11+ Entry
Candidates will be asked to perform two contrasting monologues. The pieces will demonstrate a difference in characters or theatre styles, and each should last between one and two minutes. One will be a published play and the other the candidate's own choice. Candidates will also be asked to devise a short improvisation on a given topic provided by the audition panel and sing one verse and chorus from a stage or film musical.
13+ and 16+ Entry
Candidates will need to perform two contrasting monologues, both from published plays, one of which should be from a Shakespearean play. Each monologue should last no longer than two minutes and should be performed off-book and a copy provided for the assessor. (Costumes and props are not necessary but may be included if desired).
Candidates will need to pick either a musical theatre piece or dance piece and can expect to be questioned on their choices of play, song and/or dance style.
In addition to the audition, candidates will be asked to discuss what performances they have taken part in and which productions they have seen, provide any evidence of drama/musical theatre/singing /dance qualifications (or video evidence of performances) and provide a reference from their current drama /singing/dance teacher. However, it is not a requirement for candidates to have completed any previous awards or qualifications in order to apply.
Scholarships are awarded based on a candidate’s performance during an audition and an interview with the Head of Drama, Head of Co-Curricular of Drama and Assistant Head Co-Curricular. Drama Scholars require focus, discipline, creativity, and passion, not just talent, and therefore candidates will be assessed on how they create, perform, and respond in the audition and interview as well as their attitude, commitment, and approach.
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