Pupils are given the chance to show their enthusiasm and love of drama in a wide range of activities throughout their time at Belfast Royal Academy. Drama is an integral part of the English curriculum as well as being a discrete subject at Key Stages 3 and 4. Opportunities to take part in extra-curricular drama are also available for all years.
The vibrant and popular Junior Drama club is available for Form 1 – 3 pupils on a Wednesday afternoon, enabling pupils to express and enjoy themselves. Every two years the Senior Dramatic Society puts on a full production in the Assembly Hall and in the summer term, GCSE and A Level students have an opportunity to showcase their work in an evening for family and friends at Wingfield Drama studio.
There is a purpose-built drama studio in the Louis Lord building and a performance space on the Wingfield site. The Assembly Hall, with an impressive lighting and sound system, can also be used if a bigger space is required.
To sustain and develop CEIAG, links have been created with the Lyric Theatre Creative Learning Department. Since 2018, the Academy’s Drama department has been a part of The Lyric Theatre's Schools Affiliation scheme. This allows students to access the theatre for tours and careers workshops, as well as opportunities to work with theatre practitioners in practical workshops. In addition to our official affiliation with the Lyric, local theatre companies, such as Bruiser Theatre Company and The Rainbow Factory, have been invited in to school to take workshops with students. Annually, Lower Sixth students attend A Day with Bruiser workshop at the Mac Theatre which includes a session dedicated to careers in the Performing Arts Industry. Additionally, through the Shared Education programme the department has teamed up with St Malachy’s College, Belfast organising trips and sharing resources.
Our office is open 8:15am - 4:15pm Monday to Friday.