Originally built as a dance studio, the space has been transformed into a dynamic drama hub, complete with professional lighting, sound equipment, curtains, and a dedicated performance area.
The studio now serves as a creative home for the growing drama provision at the college, which began last September with Year 7 students and has since expanded to include Year 8, with plans to offer drama across all year groups and introduce GCSE Drama as an option in the coming years.
“This new space is a game-changer,” said Graeme Hardman, Head of Music and Drama. “It’s great to see creativity flourish and to give students the opportunity to express themselves. We’re bringing more depth to our curriculum, which is broad and balanced, and this studio gives us room to grow.”
The studio is already being used to teach technical theatre skills and host small-scale productions, with support from a dedicated sixth form student and a weekly after-school drama club. Half of the space has been lit to create a flexible performance area that’s easy to use and adaptable for future growth.
Historically, drama was part of the Key Stage 3 curriculum at Brixham College but had been absent for over a decade. The new studio marks a revival of the subject and a renewed focus on the performing arts.
Theo, a year 8 student at Brixham College said: “I’m excited to have this space as a place to explore performing arts. It shows that there are different roles within drama lessons, and it’s not just about acting. It helps me to be more included in drama lessons. I can support other people with their performances by using the lighting.”
Mark Eager, Principal at Brixham College, said: “The Music and Drama department at Brixham College is committed to nurturing creativity through an engaging and supportive environment.
“The curriculum is designed to build a lifelong appreciation of the arts, connecting students with a wide range of genres, practitioners, and cultural contexts.
“Drama and music are seen as essential components of a well-rounded education, promoting confidence, self-worth, and a host of transferable skills.”
In addition to serving students, the new drama studio is also available for hire, offering a professional-grade space for community use and further enriching the cultural life of the college.