Queen’s College is a recognised centre of excellence with outstanding Performing Arts facilities and opportunities for all students to enjoy. However, beyond our philosophy of participation for all, we also aspire to develop virtuoso skills in all disciplines of performance.
Performing Arts Scholars enrich everyone’s experience at Queen’s. The evidence of their talent contributes to the rich, creative culture of the school. The depth and range of opportunity for performance in dance, drama and music or work behind the scenes is exceptional. The College has unique partnerships that open opportunities for our students to work with professionals in specialist areas of the Performing Arts.
Pupils attaining Performing Arts Scholarship status should have the potential to make an outstanding contribution to the Performing Arts at Queen’s. Candidates should have dramatic, musical or dance experience both inside and outside of school and demonstrate a true passion for their chosen discipline. When selecting Scholars, many factors are taken into consideration, including: performance experience, levels achieved (dance, music), future potential, attitude and desire. Pupils should be able to show exceptional ability in at least one of the performing arts disciplines. The main performing arts disciplines at the College include: Musical theatre, dance, play and concert. Applicants can be assessed in any of the performing arts disciplines. These must be declared in advance for assessment planning purposes.
Candidates are also invited to apply on the basis of their instrumental or vocal ability and will be assessed upon their achievement level to date and future potential. Applicants are expected to make a full and active contribution to the musical life of the school, participating in the orchestra, choirs, bands and any other musical groups within the school, according to their specialisation. Performing Arts – Music Scholarships are awarded on the results of auditions and musicianship tests, conducted by the Music Subject Lead.
Expectations
At Queen’s we encourage and support our scholars to do the very best they can at all times and to become individuals who will match or exceed our expectations. Our aspiration is that they will contribute to the Queen’s community and be an inspiration to those around them. We pride ourselves on our care and treating pupils as individuals. We have a proven success at incorporating performing arts commitments with pupils’ academic life which has led to a number of pupils achieving performing arts success beyond school; a number of ex students have gone on to perform at professional level. Academically, Performing Arts at Queen’s is a popular choice at GCSE, BTEC and A Level with pupils consistently achieving outstanding results. Many of our students have achieved the high accolade of places at leading universities and specialist Schools / Colleges of Music, Drama and Dance.
All scholars are expected to contribute and represent the School in the performing arts across the academic year. As recognisable figures in the school community, they will be expected to be positive role models both in and out of their performance arenas and along with a full commitment to the Performing Arts Scholarship Programme, a positive attitude towards academic achievement is a necessity. The Queen’s College Scholarship Programme is designed to provide the recipient with an individual programme that will support their aspirations by developing their artistic and academic potential and enhance specific talents and skills, whilst also widening experiences and repertoire. Performing Arts scholars are expected to develop at least two disciplines from acting, music and dance within the scholar system. The Director of Performing Arts will agree targets and regularly assess progress, help plan involvement in a variety of performances and provide training opportunities to enable students to grow as a confident and creative artist.
Once enrolled into the scholarship scheme, students are expected to show consistent commitment to the Performing Arts. There is no prescribed, one-size-fits all timetable, but active participation in a range of weekly dance, drama and / or music activities should be demonstrable. Participation in whole school music or dance ensembles such as School Choir will be required, depending on each scholar’s learning plan.
Benefits
The Queen’s College Performing Arts Scholarship Programme will give students the opportunity to develop their artistic capability, putting them on a pathway to elite performance. Above the regular performances which all students have access to, the programme will provide:
| Opportunities |
Participation |
Development |
Performance |
Elite |
| Access to high quality teaching |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Opportunities to participate in school productions |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Guidance with goal setting and reviewing |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Enhanced programme with highly experienced staff |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Dance strength and conditioning programmes where necessary |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Performing Arts seminars & workshops |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Weekly Scholar Sessions |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Further development of technical skills, knowledge and stagecraft |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| HPP Theatre trips |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| BTEC Performing Arts |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| GCSE Drama |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Leadership Training |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Performance analysis |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Mentoring programme |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Access to injury rehabilitation if required |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Participation – all pupils across the College have opportunities to participate and represent the school in shows and concerts across the year
Development – pupils who have more significant roles within shows and performances
Performance – pupils on the performance pathway will be supported accordingly and should aim for lead roles in shows and concerts
Elite – pupils who are performing outside of school at regional or West End level
What to expect at the Performing Arts Scholarship Auditions
It is essential that Candidates demonstrate an ability and active interest in an aspect of the Performing Arts. Proven acting, musical or dancing ability or an interest and ability in the technical aspects of the subject (sound, lighting or design) is advantageous. The assessment process will include:
- A practical audition where both the practical skills and future potential of each candidate are taken into account. Candidates will present a short practical piece in two of the following three forms:
- A 90-second acting monologue
- A 90-second dance in any style
- A short song extract of at least one verse and chorus
- Instrumental auditions will comprise:
- Two pieces on a first study or one piece on any further instruments offered
- To sight-read on their primary instrument.
- To respond to questions about the chosen pieces
- A short informal conversation with the Director of Performing Arts about past experiences and general theatre / performance knowledge accompanies the session.
- All candidates should bring a portfolio of any previous experience or qualifications e.g. LAMDA certificates, music examination grades, participation in productions.
- Music for dances or backing tracks should be provided by the candidate on a streaming link.
- Any piano accompaniment for instrumental auditions should be arranged in advance with the College Music Subject Lead.
- There is no necessity to study academic Performing Arts as a condition of scholarship, but clearly related academic study is likely to be beneficial.
