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It's showtime! Putting on a production at Dulwich Pudong
Dulwich Pudong
One of the highlights of the College calendar is undoubtedly our Senior School production. But how do we take a play from page to stage at Dulwich Pudong?
The performing arts play a vital role in our approach to learning at Dulwich Pudong, fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Engaging in activities like drama, dance, and music not only enhances students' artistic skills but also benefits learning across the curriculum, while equipping students with many practical life skills and insights.
This year’s Senior School production, The McDevlin Island Scouts (written and directed by Drama Teacher Mr. Dean Poulter), was no exception.
The performing arts play a vital role in our approach to learning at Dulwich Pudong, fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Engaging in activities like drama, dance, and music not only enhances students' artistic skills but also benefits learning across the curriculum, while equipping students with many practical life skills and insights.
This year’s Senior School production, The McDevlin Island Scouts (written and directed by Drama Teacher Mr. Dean Poulter), was no exception.
The play, which ran for three nights in our theatre last week, centres on a group of Boy Scouts who travel to an island for a summer camp and find themselves in the middle of a supernatural mystery – a challenge they can only solve by resolving their differences and working together.
Rehearsals started in Term 1, as did the process of creating set designs, props and costumes, and the entire production has involved almost 140 students and staff – from actors and musicians to crew, design and staff.
Rehearsals started in Term 1, as did the process of creating set designs, props and costumes, and the entire production has involved almost 140 students and staff – from actors and musicians to crew, design and staff.
It’s a mammoth undertaking – and, as Mr Poulter confirmed: “You’ve got to be committed, positive and really driven to bring it all together successfully.”
So, what did different members of the student production team learn from their experiences? We spoke to some of the cast and crew, who shared their highlights from this year’s show and the skills they have learned along the way.
So, what did different members of the student production team learn from their experiences? We spoke to some of the cast and crew, who shared their highlights from this year’s show and the skills they have learned along the way.
Camellia C, Year 10
For Year 10 student Camellia C, who played one of the leads Snekan, the play really built on her public speaking ability.
"I feel like I enjoy going on stage and just bringing out the best of myself and giving the audience a message, and I feel like I can I use that trait in my acting."
Charmaine W, Year 13
For Deputy Stage Manager and Year 13 Charmaine W, "teamwork and collaboration" were the key to doing her role. “You need to learn how to effectively communicate with each other because we don't want to waste too much time."
"The production is really time consuming, and we need to get everything as fast as possible. We also need to learn how to improvise when things go wrong because that's something that always happens. In production, an actor may not have said their queue line, something might have gone wrong, and we need to step in and take the initiative to solve the problems."
Crystal Y, Year 10
Year 10 student Crystal Y, who played Scoutmaster Cheeseman, agreed that collaboration as a production "community" was the most important factor in the show’s success, as well a sense of "passion".
"Because if we don't have passion and we're acting on there, the audience won't be able to feel the empathy and feel our energy inside us."
Ashley Y, Year 13
"Leadership" and "dedication", were also important. As a member of the Costume Team who has been involved in productions since Year 7.“Being able to communicate with people of all year groups, and teachers and leadership levels,” she added. 'Being able to communicate with people of all year groups, and teachers and leadership levels."
Yily G, Year 12
Year 12 student Yily G also highlighted how the production encouraged ‘leadership’ skills among the team,“We have to learn how to direct the actors but also talk to each other and try to take a lead on what we’re doing.” We have to learn how to direct the actors but also talk to each other and try to take a lead on what we’re doing.”
Above all, the production is a fun and exciting project for everyone involved, creating a strong sense of "connection" and "family".
Ashley Y, Year 13
"Every time I’m backstage, that’s always a highlight. You get to see behind the scenes, but you also don’t see the giant picture. So, you can wait for that to finally be revealed when you watch the production properly. It just keeps you excited."Caroline L, Year 11
Lighting Technician and Year 11 student Caroline L, agreed. As an IGCSE Drama student, she has particularly enjoyed being immersed in the world of theatre."You need to just be engaged with the process and just really have fun with what you're doing because it is an enjoyable experience for all of us,” she added. “Be engaged in what you’re doing and just have a good time!”
Charmaine W, Year 13
"We work hard together to form this amazing production and show. To see all the actors get on stage in their costumes, it’s just really satisfying, and I feel a huge sense of achievement."
