Facilities
Annabel's Studio is an entirely flexible
space which is used for teaching, for exam presentation work,
and for school productions.
It is essentially a black box that can be configured in any number of ways. Recently Attempts on Her Life was performed traverse (audience on two opposite sides) and Lysistrata used a thrust stage (audience on three sides). All My Sons placed the acting area in a corner, with a fallen tree dominating the centre of the room. Other work has seen performances in the round and in a more conventional end-on arrangement.
The studio is equipped with lighting and sound equipment, and sets are built to the requirements of each production. Set design is one of the options that candidates can specialise in at A-level.
Venue 2 is the newest building added to the drama facilities. Erected in November 2007, it serves as a teaching space, rehearsal room and a comfortable performance venue seating for approximately 60 people depending on the seating layout. The inaugural production of "Little Bear Lost" in January 2008 demonstrated the usefulness of the new space.
The Memorial Hall, or 'Mem Hall' as its often referred to,
is the school's main hall. Seating up to 730 people, it used for everything between
assemblies, speech days, dinners and of course productions.
Every year the drama and music departments puts on a Lower School Musical during the summer term and then Christmas sees it transformed for the big end of year production. In the past Dauntsey's has staged many ambitious productions including: "Les Miserable", "Blood Brothers", " A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and most recently "The Witches of Eastwick".
