DRAMA SCHOLARSHIPS

Our Drama Scholarships are designed to recognise and nurture exceptional dramatic talent, creative potential and a deep passion for theatre.

We are looking for young performers who bring imagination, curiosity and courage to their work; who are willing to take creative risks, respond thoughtfully to direction and collaborate generously with others. Whether performing, devising or exploring new approaches to theatre-making, our Drama Scholars are encouraged to develop their own artistic voice and to grow as confident, versatile and expressive performers.

Through specialist support, performance opportunities, workshops and enrichment, Scholars are challenged to extend their skills and broaden their theatrical experience. In return, they are expected to play a leading role within the Drama Department, setting high standards through their creativity, commitment and enthusiasm, and contributing fully to the wider creative life of Wells Cathedral School.

Criteria

For entry at Years 7, 9, 10 and Lower Sixth (NB., Year 10 is only applicable for external candidates)

Drama Scholarships will be awarded to pupils who demonstrate exceptional dramatic ability and/or significant creative potential, together with the commitment and ambition to develop their craft.

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• strong performance skills and the ability to engage an audience
• imagination, creativity and a deep interest in drama and theatre
• confidence and courage in exploring ideas and taking creative risks
• the ability to interpret character, text and dramatic intention with thought and insight
• openness to direction, with the ability to respond positively and creatively to feedback
• generosity and sensitivity when collaborating and creating work with others; and
• the commitment, enthusiasm and attitude to contribute fully to the Drama Department and wider creative life of the School.

Previous experience of drama both inside and outside school is welcomed. However, we recognise that candidates will have had different levels of access to formal drama training and performance opportunities, and we are equally interested in identifying exceptional potential.

Drama Scholars are expected to be leading members of the Department, setting high standards through their creativity, commitment and participation, and acting as positive ambassadors for Drama at Wells.

Benefits and expectations

What to expect on the Scholarship Day

• An interview with their Head of Year or a member of our Senior Management Team.
• A group Drama workshop, giving candidates the opportunity to work creatively and collaboratively with others.
• Two prepared contrasting performance pieces, one of which may be musical theatre, as part of a one-to-one session, Deputy Director of Expressive Arts.
• An individual interview with Ms Shelley Deans, Deputy Director of Expressive Arts, exploring the candidate’s experience of Drama, their interests and aspirations, and what they hope to contribute to the Drama Department.
• Candidates should submit a submit a summary of their previous dramatic experience and  achievements to [email protected] by the published deadline (see the checklist on our Application Process page)
• Candidates should also bring a portfolio of relevant programmes, photographs or certificates to the assessment day

Financial awards

Scholarship awards are based on current merit. All successful applicants will be awarded a 10% discount on tuition fees. For those candidates who are awarded two Scholarships, the second will be an Honorary Scholarship without an additional financial award.

If you need further financial assistance please see our Bursaries page for details.

Review process

All Drama Scholars will receive a formal review of their progress and performance in November of Year 8 and November of Year 11.

Apply

Click Here Apply – Year 7/8/9

Click Here Apply – Lower Sixth

Find out more

If you have any questions about our Scholarship Programme for any year of entry, please contact us on 01749 834441 or email [email protected].