We officially opened the Performing Arts Studio this week, providing a vital new theatre venue and rehearsal space to support the arts in the School and across the local community.
The Performing Arts Studio includes a professional standard theatre with acoustic lining and sprung floor which can be used for dance as well as drama. A control room, fitted with industry standard lighting and sound decks was supplied by Poulton-based KRS Productions. There is also a Green Room and supplementary teaching spaces.
We were able to create this wonderful space thanks to the generosity of Old Rossallian David McKee. David attended Rossall School from 1949 to 1956, and with his wife, Renee, were founders of the McKee Gallery in New York City. On opening the Studio, David addressed the pupils:
“Those who feel a creative interest are urged to embrace it. Do not fear expressing yourself, allow your gift to grow. There is a world at large waiting and watching for your talent – and your courage.”
To coincide with Remembrance Weekend, the opening was a great opportunity to host the pupils WW1 Commemoration Exhibition. As part of a cross-curricular project, many lessons in the week prior to Remembrance were planned around the centenary and pupils benefited immeasurably from studying various aspects of World War One across their subjects. The pupils participated in a diverse range of activities, the results of which were beautifully displayed in the Studio.
Drama students provided guests with poignant recitals of letters from the front and moving poems, dressed appropriately in clothing and uniform of the time. Year 11 pupil, Sofia Deplidge read ‘My Boy Jack’ by Rudyard Kipling and Year 10, Myles Davies narrated ‘The Soldier’ by Rupert Brooke.
The opening of the impressive new facility, coupled with the moving pieces on display, created a fitting celebration for Rossall School of today.
Mr Jeremy Quartermain added at the opening:
“The Performing Arts building is an integral part of our ambitious development plan,” he says. “It is a truly outstanding facility which will support the artistic and creative development of future generations of pupils at Rossall. With so many outstanding facilities, and a programme of cross-curricular projects and extra-curricular activities for the pupils to take part in, Rossall is a school where youngsters can truly develop their full potential”.
