Drama Scholarships are offered to Belmont pupils and applicants at 11+ entry.
The awards are tenable for two years at Belmont and continue for five years at Mill Hill, our senior school, subject to satisfactory progress and behaviour. Any bursary addition would be reviewed annually.
Visiting the school during Open Mornings is seen as an important part of the application process as it gives the candidates and their parents the opportunity to view the facilities that are available and meet the Head of Drama. The Head of the Drama department is always happy to meet with prospective families and answer enquiries at any stage of the application process.
For entry at 11+, candidates are expected to exhibit a natural enthusiasm and appetite for Drama, be a confident independent and group performer, have a passion for learning and demonstrate an overall high academic performance. They may have achieved a Drama qualification e.g. LAMDA at least at a Merit grade, however, formal qualifications are not a prerequisite to be considered. The overriding factor in receiving an award will be the candidate exhibiting exceptional promise in Drama.
The process takes place in the Spring Term for entry into Belmont in September of the same year. Candidates are asked to submit a digital recording of themselves performing one short monologue and submit the recording via wetransfer.com to admissions@belmontschool.com.
The Head of Drama views all submissions and shortlists candidates for a live audition.
In addition, successful candidates will be required to perform at a sound level academically in the school’s entrance assessment.
On the day of the auditions, all candidates will be involved in a Drama workshop which will takes approximately one hour in length. Within the workshop, each candidate will be asked to perform one new monologue to the Head of Drama at Belmont and Mill Hill as well as be interviewed by the Head of Drama at Belmont.
Candidates that are awarded a Drama Scholarship are expected to take a full and active part in the theatrical life of the school and will find themselves performing in House and Year group productions at key times throughout the school year. They are expected to participate in Drama club and support performances in Chapels and assemblies as well as representing the Drama department when required i.e., Open Mornings. Drama scholars are expected to participate in visiting theatre groups and workshops and work closely with Mill Hill in presenting productions which have previously included Hairspray, Les Misérables, Pride & Prejudice and various comedy and tribute shows. Drama scholars will benefit from complimentary LAMDA lessons and have the opportunity to be coached for auditions in addition to being put forward for external castings.
Along with the Music department, Drama scholars are invited to attend West End theatre trips which have previously included Shrek, Wicked, Sound of Music, Joseph, Stomp, Matilda, Cats and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Opportunities to audition in show outside of school will also be passed to successful candidates.
The deadline to apply for a Drama Scholarship is listed on the Admissions Calendar. Applications received after this time will not be accepted.
If you require any further information or are unsure about any aspect of the application process including the suitability of your child for a Drama award, please contact the admissions team on admissions@belmontschool.com or the Head of Drama on lrusso@belmontschool.com.
