Bedford School Drama Students Learn the Art of Improvisation

Published by Bedford Upper School on Thursday 11th of October 2018

On Monday 1 October, acclaimed and award-winning playwright David Eldridge delivered a specialised workshop to Lower Sixth drama students, as part of Bedford School’s Drama enrichment programme. David’s plays have been performed in some of the UK’s ground-breaking and leading venues including the Bush Theatre and the National Theatre, and his smash-hit play Beginning was a sell-out when it was staged in the West End earlier this year. David’s workshop, which he also delivered to Bedford School Drama Society boys, focused on improvisation. Working in small groups, he gave each group a scenario which they were required to act out several times, making small modifications each time. For example, the boys were asked to replace their normal dialogue with fruit names instead. In another modification, the boys were only allowed to use three words. By gradually taking away the use of dialogue, the acting became more animated and actions were exaggerated. This helped the boys to build confidence, courage and creativity and taught them to trust their instincts. Head of Academic Drama Mrs Antoinette Keylock said, “It was an absolute privilege to host David Eldridge. He is a brilliant playwright and his insight into the playwriting process was fascinating.”