Drama classrooms for year 9–13
Calculate the number of drama classrooms you will need based on the number of timetabled drama classes you are likely to have. Do this on the same basis as for science, mathematics, and technology classrooms. Making do with the hall or even a theatre as a classroom, is not satisfactory and should not be part of the plan.
Think of each drama classroom as an open space that can be adapted for various purposes, so there will not be an area designated as a stage. Such a drama classroom can be used by the other performing arts, and for visiting groups and exhibitions.
Features
Each drama room should be at least twice the floor area of a standard classroom. If you have more than one drama room, it is suggested that one of them is made as large as three or four standard classrooms (about 15 x 20 metres). This larger space (almost a 'drama studio') can cater for group work and rehearsals for productions, and serve as a small performance space. If you don't have an auditorium or theatre suitable for quality drama performances, this will be especially important.
It should have a wooden floor and some of the features of a theatre, including lighting grids, full blackout, access to tiered seating, a foyer, and emergency exits.
Drama rooms should be light and airy – high-level opening windows are ideal. Remember that teachers will spend much of their day in this room, so even the larger drama room (set up to be used for performances) should not be just a black box.
Each drama room needs:
- effective (but quiet) ventilation – natural cross-ventilation can be better (and cheaper) than artificial ventilation
- windows for natural light, but some walls with no windows at all – ceiling windows (skylights) can be very hard to black out
- same heating and lighting as a standard classroom, but adjustable internally and installed so as to keep walls clear
- high ceilings (about 3 metres) to allow space for hanging lighting rigs and banners, and for tall sets
- two or three exit doors
- plenty of power points, low on every wall, and three-phase for stage lighting
- bars for hanging lights (and possibly a place for lighting control equipment)
- a sound system in a secure cupboard recessed into walls, plus good speakers
- easy access to video/DVD players, data projector, and a screen that does not interfere with walls or ceilings
- blackout curtains
- rails for hanging curtains (1 metre out from walls)
- neutral colours for walls and ceiling (some suggest cream)
- mirrors for mime and puppet work (with curtains to cover them when required)
- secure racks or lockers for students to leave bags, shoes, and other clothing outside each room.
Since drama classes undertake some of the same activities as other subjects, drama rooms need some features of standard classrooms, such as:
- whiteboards – with curtains to cover them as required
- display boards – with curtains to cover them as required
- access to computers for writing and internet research
- seating for quiet study and reading – as this needs to be flexible and movable, some drama teachers prefer cushions rather than tables and chairs.
Ideally, a drama suite will include some small breakout rooms for group work, research, and rehearsals. These could be shared with other curriculum areas, such as dance, music, and English.