The Stahl Theatre is an oasis for pupils who love the theatre, offering them a close-knit community to dive into and explore their love for the dramatic arts. For some, the Stahl is where they hone their aspirations for a career in theatre. For others, it is a place where the experience of theatre introduces creativity, builds confidence, and teaches collaboration. Our IGCSE and A level courses produce outstanding results and pupils are supported by a well-established programme of visiting practitioners and workshops. At the Stahl Theatre, pupils are encouraged to get involved in every aspect of production. Acting remains popular for many, but the backstage disciplines of stage management, set production, lighting, sound, costume and make-up also thrive.
Subjects taught here
We follow the Eduqas syllabus for both GCSE and A Level. IGCSE Drama is a popular subject, with around 35 pupils taking the subject each year and, on average, 43% of pupils achieving a grade 9. Our A Level pupils benefit from small class sizes and excellent results – on average 67% of grades are A*. Drama is compulsory to all pupils in first and second form, with emphasis in the early years on collaboration, communication and self-awareness. Performance skills are developed through practical experience of scripted, improvised and devised work which is shared and assessed within classes. Every pupil now has a Microsoft Surface to work with and pupils in the Drama department have benefitted enormously from having the ability to record and watch their own work.
The Drama Scholarship programme supports dedicated, passionate performers or theatre technicians who want to explore and develop their theatre practice. The department looks to Drama scholars to lead by example and be an inspiration to their peers. In return, they are offered first-rate training that seeks to nurture the theatre-makers of the future.
Thank you so much for supporting me through my drama career in Oundle and giving me endless opportunities in and around the Stahl. I have enjoyed every role I have been given; thank you for giving me so much direction as an actor and helping me improve my skills.
Luke, Drama ScholarThe Stahl’s annual calendar is filled with House, School and professional touring productions, open to both the School and wider local community.
264-seater auditorium
Rehearsal room
Green room
Production studio
Full-scale lighting rig
Costume wardrobe and studio
Workshops
3 teaching spaces
The Stahl was originally designed by Mr W F Poulton for the New Independent Church in 1865. Following a bequest from Old Oundelian Rodolphe Stahl, it was converted to a theatre in his name. The main auditorium has a seating capacity of 264, with further studios and a rehearsal room.
