I am currently studying Drama at the University of Hull, with a hope to enter the performing industry after graduation. As the standard of teaching at the ‘players’ has already been mentioned, I thought it appropriate to point out the social benefits that the school can offer, benefits which are arguably as instructive as the workshops themselves.
I think Debby would agree that I wasn’t the easiest pupil to deal with when I first started at ‘players’, I was extremely shy and reluctant to join in with activities. However, I persevered and grew to like it more and more as my confidence was increased through active participation in workshops. I feel that this has been one of the most beneficial gains from attending the school, as without that confidence boost I doubt I would have continued with drama at degree level. I was also given the additional benefit of learning to work in a team – an essential skill to develop for all three of the workshops. These skills are transferable to all areas of life, so even if your child does eventually decide that performing is not for them, ‘players’ is still able to offer them valuable social skills which will stand them in good stead for whatever they go on to do. As well as this, new pupils will find that they make friends very easily at the school, when I first started I found that my fellow pupils were warm and welcoming and I settled down straight away. However, it must be stressed that ‘players’ is NOT a place just to hang around with mates and chat, although having fun is key the main aim is to help pupils develop performing skills; and it is to the school’s credit that both staff and pupils take this very seriously.
Although workshops were often demanding and a challenge, I cannot give ‘players’ any bigger accolade than to say that it was always a pleasure and never a chore – All that’s asked is that you turn up, pay attention and have fun, who can say fairer than that?
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