These performance opportunities include The Musical Showcase, Dance Show, Drama Showcase and our Open Morning and Open Evening performances, feature students from right across the Day School and Sixth Form, performing as individuals, ensembles and as part of our Companies. These productions all make full use of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre, our West End standard theatre, and our full-time, in-house production team.
Other key in-house productions include Live Lounge, BTEC Dance Showcase, drama devised performances, BTEC Scratch Evening, Musical Theatre and the ArtsEd Fringe Festival, which take place in our fully equipped studios.
Students are also invited to perform at external events and venues. Recent examples include the Independent Schools Association Drama, Musical Theatre and A Capella Competitions, and the Bedford Park Festival. Year 13 A level Drama and Company performances take place off-site with recent venues including The Bush Theatre, Pleasance Theatre, Islington, Lyric Hammersmith and the Union Theatre, Southwark.
The School regularly takes part in National level events, frequently winning awards in the ISA Competitions and the National School Theatre Awards.
“inspiring and informed by current professional practice. Teachers have high expectations of pupils, who receive challenging tasks and are given a busy schedule of performance opportunities. Pupils respond with focus and energy, producing work of a notably high standard both in the classroom and on the stage.” Independent Schools Inspectorate – March 2024
Companies
ArtsEd Dance Company
The Dance Company offers an exciting opportunity for the most elite dancers to train and perform together, representing the best of dance at ArtsEd. All Year 12 and 13 students will have the opportunity to audition for the company, and those who are successful will experience the thrill of performing as a member of the company. They will learn repertoire in a variety of styles and work with guest choreographers to prepare for performances at prestigious venues. Historically, these venues have included The Royal Albert Hall and Sadler’s Wells. Recent performances have featured the ISA Dance Festival, ArtsEd Dance Show in The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre, and Retrospect at The Pleasance Theatre.
ArtsEd Musical Theatre Company
The Musical Theatre Company is an opportunity for students across the Sixth Form to collaborate to produce a full-scale musical. Students work under the supervision of a musical director and director to realise a full-length show, culminating in a public performance in a professional external venue. Recent productions have included Once, Into the Woods, Jasper in Deadland, Soho Cinders, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and past venues include the Pleasance Theatre, the Union Theatre and Stockwell Playhouse.
ArtsEd Theatre Company
Our Theatre Company is a dynamic ensemble of talented Year 12 and 13 actors. Though small in size, the company has built a strong reputation beyond the school, showcasing their talent at prestigious venues including the Pleasance Theatre with Pomona and Romeo & Juliet, and the Lyric Studio with Hamlet. This is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring actors to challenge themselves creatively, gain real-world performance experience, and be part of a committed, collaborative company.
