Ancillary facilities for drama suites
Despite the heading, these facilities are not added extras – they are integral to a good working drama suite.
Drama classes will need access to the following facilities, especially when they are preparing for performances. The simplest way is to include them as part of the drama suite. These facilities are more likely to be used regularly if they are within the drama suite, rather than attached to a theatre.
- Dressing rooms (especially if the drama studio is used for performances) with spaces for costumes and benches with mirrors and lights.
- Sound recording and editing equipment – preferably in a self-contained recording studio (which could be shared with music classes).
- Video recording and editing equipment – preferably in a self-contained suite (which could be shared with media and English classes).
- Projection facilities – for data display and video.
- Computers for writing and internet research – possibly in a central area for sharing with other arts.
- Student library containing playscripts and other texts, reference books, design and costume books, sound and video recordings – note that this should not be part of the staff resource area.
- Workshop space for building sets and props.
- Wet area with sinks and benches for painting sets and making masks and props – could be shared with visual arts.
- Sewing and laundry room for making, repairing, washing, and drying costumes.
If the suite will also be used for public performances, it will also need:
- changing rooms with showers
- toilets
- kitchen and eating facilities.
- simple foyer
- direct public access, so audiences can easily enter the drama suite after school hours.