Why drama?

Drama is a vital part of our daily lives; it helps us to understand ourselves and other people.  It provides greater self-confidence, understanding and presentational skills. 

There are many opportunities to study and perform drama at The Edinburgh Academy, whether it be in the classroom, studio theatre, one of our two larger performance spaces, or even the open air.

In the first and second year there is one lesson a week, which gives students a grounding in drama skills, especially speaking and listening, now such an important part of both the GCSE and Higher English courses. 

The highlight of the year for the Fourths is the annual Drama Competition.  Two weeks of English lessons are given over to this popular event, which every year spawns new plays and two evenings of great entertainment, with everyone in the year taking part.

GCSE and Higher Drama are available in the later years in the school.

The Magnusson Performing Arts Centre

At the hub of the new Magnusson Centre for Performing Arts is a purpose built theatre which can accommodate audiences of 150, 200 or 250. Three performance spaces are provided which, allied to a moveable stage system, allow full range for directors’ imagination. When the seating is fully retracted the theatre provides a second indoor space for physical education at the senior school in Henderson Row. As part of the renovation work a dance studio and classroom for PE theory classes has also been built. The Magnusson Centre for Performing Arts provides our pupils with a fantastic facility which can be used for both small and large-scale productions.

There have been many successful former pupils who have carved out very successful stage and broadcast careers. Actor Bruce Seton gained TV fame in the 1950's as "Fabian of the Yard." Former Academy girls include actresses Catherine McQueen and Nicola Johnstone (Vivien Reid). Clea Tammes is a publicist and producer, whilst Juliet Lawrence Wilson is a writer and broadcaster. Other well known names include the radio presenters Charles Runcie and Allan Robb, TV journalist Nicky Campbell and actors Jamie Newall and Iain Glen.