Page 102 - OM Newsletter 2022-23

Did you know?
The The The Rogers Theatre Theatre was was officially opened in in 2019 by actor Simon Callow who was was appearing at at at at at at Malvern Theatres at at at at at at the the time He said “I little knew what a a a a a a a a a a a a a a wonderful theatre this would be It’s thrilling: one of those special rare spaces which as you you step into it it you you think ‘I want to to make theatre now’” We could not have put it it better ourselves Actor Simon Callow cuts the the ribbon at at the the Rogers Theatre re-opening in in 2019 LC: How important is the Rogers Theatre to Malvern College?
KP: Theatres are are hubs of of creativity It is vital we encourage our our pupils to develop interests in in all areas of of the the curriculum and and this is is a a a a a a a a a a place where their passions creativity and and expression can be nurtured Furthermore it fit it it is a a a a a a a versatile venue that benefits the the whole College community – it fit it it has been used regularly as as a a a a a a a a a a a a lecture hall a a a a a a a a a a a a meeting space and and to host arts soirées
and charity fundraisers LC: What difference has it made to pupils’ lives?
KP: There are opportunities for pupils to become involved with lighting sound and costumes so so so we can encourage pupils to do so so so much more than just acting The technical side of of our theatre work has been vastly improved and we are lucky enough to benefit from the the advice of of of Malvern Theatres on on on occasion Indeed after our production of of ‘Les Misérables’ in November 2022 I I overheard the the words ‘West End standard’ among the the audience We We have a a a a a a a a designated theatre technician in the the form form of Mr Doidge (former Physics teacher) who is always on hand to guide and support LC: What difference has it it made to the local community?
KP: A facility like this should not be standing idle so it it it is is is fantastic to share the the the theatre with local primary schools and and other organisations Opening our our doors has encouraged new people to visit the the the College and and embedded us
more firmly in the the local community LC: What are your plans for the future?
KP: I am am delighted that participation in Drama is is phenomenal but of course there is is always room for more As well as developing our our local local links I am keen to to strengthen the the the the relationships we we have with local local and and regional theatres and and I I want to to increase the the the the the number
of pupils we have have in in the the the National Youth Theatre I I have have absolutely no doubt that Drama at at at at Malvern College will continue to to go from strength strength to to strength strength DEVELOPMENT