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Performing arts are an integral part of the curriculum and extracurricular due to their transferable skills
Ensuring students benefit from experience and expertise, The Perse stands by the talent of its staff. David himself has a background of more than 20 years in musical theatre and has toured the country directing and choreographing all kinds of musicals. Since he joined The Perse three years ago, choosing to work with children is something he has never looked back on. “It’s unbelievably rewarding to work with young people who have such a passion for performing. Some of these students start with zero confidence and just want to give it a go,” he observes. “You then start to see them really develop and it’s just the most incredible feeling. It’s something I love and intend to keep doing.” Getting the show on the road As a school, The Perse recognises the need to protect and prioritise the arts in an era where cuts throughout the sector are ubiquitous. Fields such as performing arts remain an integral part of both the
curriculum and extracurricular activities due to the innumerable transferable skills they offer – whether it’s students learning to use their voice, working in a team or learning to cope with situations that might make them feel uncomfortable at first, but are ultimately enjoyable. “We want to encourage and develop the skills of every student, but that doesn’t have to just be on stage. For example, one student has recently discovered a passion for costume design and has been awarded a place working with the National Youth Music Theatre in the costume department this summer.” Currently, David has his hands full with the lower school’s upcoming production of Honk! The Musical , which is quite the
undertaking with over 50 participating students. But this is standard practice for the performing arts department, which prides itself on pushing the bar in terms of variety and delivering performances that you might not expect from a school. Recently, such shows have included Mary Poppins from The Perse Players and a Sixth Form production of Shakespeare in Love . “At The Perse, it’s never just a standard school show.”
Find out more at perse.co.uk
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