New £30,000 drama studio puts performing arts centre stage at Brixham College

Brixham College has unveiled a brand-new drama studio following a £30,000 investment from the Thinking Schools Academy Trust.

Originally built as a dance studio, the space has been transformed into a dynamic hub for the performing arts, complete with professional lighting, sound equipment, curtains and a flexible performance area.

The opening marks a revival for drama at the college, which had been absent from the curriculum for more than a decade. Provision restarted last September with Year 7 and has now expanded to Year 8, with plans to roll out across all year groups and introduce GCSE Drama 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.”

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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.

Theo, a Year 8 student, 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.”

Principal Mark Eager praised the development: “The Music and Drama department at Brixham College is committed to nurturing creativity through an engaging and supportive environment. 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 enhancing the student experience, the new drama studio will also be available for community hire, providing a professional-grade performance space for Brixham and beyond.