From drama on the seas, to performances by the river, Drama Technician Miss Alice Griffiths talks about her career so far in this week's 'A Conversation With... '. We also find out more about what's coming up in the Drama Department this term, as well Miss Griffiths' travelling dreams once lockdown is over.
How long have you been at Shiplake, what is your role and what roles have you done previously?
I joined Shiplake in September 2019 as Drama Technician and so far I have thoroughly enjoyed it. After my degree, I worked backstage onboard cruise ships assisting on shows such as Hairspray. During the summer of 2019, I was part of the lighting team at Mountview Drama School for the post-graduate musical theatre performances.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I usually get to Shiplake at 9.00am and begin by checking emails and organising any props or costumes which are needed for the day. I spend a lot of my time looking online for any technical aspects the department needs for exams or co-curricular activities. If the Tithe Barn is free, I like to experiment with the new lighting equipment which was installed over the summer. During the day, I also go into drama lessons to say hello to the pupils and watch their performances. In the afternoon I attend rehearsals for our co-curricular shows.
What exciting things have we got coming up with drama this term? Can you tell us how you have had to adapt what you usually do because of the current COVID situation?
This is a busy term for the Drama Department. At the moment, the Year 11s are polishing off their devised performances which will be performed on Thursday 19 November and will go towards their final GCSE grade. All the performances cover completely different topics and have been inspired by practitioners the students have been studying. This term the Drama Department has decided to run an Inter-House Drama Competition across Lower School and Year 9 where one pupil from each house has to perform a monologue of their choice. These will be judged by myself, Mrs Farrell and Ms Davies who will determine the Judges' Choice winner. Unfortunately due to COVID, there is an audience restriction so the monologues will be recorded and for the Year 9 category they will be played on YouTube Premiere for the rest of the Shiplake community to watch in order to cast their vote as to who should win the Shiplake Community Choice Award.
We have adapted our theatre trips by having digital theatre evenings, converting the Tithe Barn into a cinema (including a snack bar), and streaming the shows so students are still able to watch some theatre. Last half term the Sixth Form drama students watched Romantics Anonymous by Wise Children, and the Year 11s saw Les Blancs performed at the National Theatre.
To finish off the term, there will be a Lower School pantomime performance of Treasure Island in the Tithe Barn. I can tell from our rehearsals the pupils are very excited. This will also be shown on YouTube so be prepared to boo at the baddie and shout "he's behind you!"
What is the best thing about drama at Shiplake?
I think the best thing about drama at Shiplake is the vast array of plays and practitioners which are taught. One lesson pupils are studying the Greek tragedy of Antigone and the next is a physical theatre lesson inspired by Frantic Assembly. I like the fact that Shiplake demonstrates that there is more to drama than Shakespeare.
What do you like most about your job, what inspired you to work in this field?
When I first arrived at Shiplake I would have said making and designing props is what I enjoy the most about my role, however having spent time in lessons and building a relationship with the pupils I now thoroughly enjoy assisting the students with their lighting ideas for their exam performances. From a young age I have been surrounded by theatre as I used to watch shows with my grandparents and took part in amateur dramatics. It was my Year 9 drama teacher who suggested I took it for GCSE and I have worked in the field ever since.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Whenever I have the time I love to travel; currently Japan and Indonesia are on the bucket list. When I am not jumping on a plane I enjoy doing quizzes and jigsaw puzzles or going back to Southampton to see my family and our dog called Bobby.
What does the future hold for Miss Griffiths?
Having worked at Shiplake for just over a year, it has inspired me to look into a career in teaching drama. In the short term, once we go back to normal, I hope I will be able to find some time and plan that trip to Asia.
