Recently, our school was filled with energy, creativity, and expression as we celebrated the first-ever Dover Court Drama and Dance Festival, titled "Take the Stage." This week-long celebration of performance, collaboration, and artistic achievement brought students together in a vibrant programme of workshops, performances, and showcases. It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the incredible talent and enthusiasm within our Secondary School community.
The festival started with a stage makeup workshop led by our exceptionally talented Year 11 student, Ava. A two-time winner of the FOBISIA Stage Makeup Challenge, Ava shared her expertise with eager Year 9 and 10 students, guiding them through the techniques for creating realistic bruises, cuts, and character looks. The festival continued with an inspiring careers talk from Ms Chantal Prudhomme, the CEO of Base Entertainment Asia. Her insights into arts management left students feeling energised about the many pathways available in the creative industries. Year 12 students also attended a fascinating Theory of Knowledge lecture by Dr Jennifer Estes from the National University of Singapore, exploring how cultural categories influence theatre and storytelling.
Throughout the week, our GCSE and IB Theatre students impressed audiences with their devised and collaborative performances. These original works were expressive, boundary-pushing and filled with purpose. There was also a lively poetry slam, where students shared powerful, personal work, and an energetic dance showcase, presented by Ms Howarth, which celebrated a diverse range of styles from ballet to Bharatanatyam.
Another highlight was the LAMDA Showcase, where students across a range of grades performed their pieces with confidence and flair. It was a joy to see the progress and passion of those involved.
The festival culminated in a powerful studio performance of Lord of the Flies. Our brilliant cast tackled complex themes of civilisation, power, and human nature with impressive depth. The fast-paced structure of the performance kept energy high, complemented by stunning light and sound design that enhanced the emotional impact of the storytelling. The ensemble worked with exceptional cohesion, responding to one another with a maturity that made the piece feel both immediate and truthful. The use of the studio space was innovative and thoughtful, helping to create a sense of intimacy and immersion that held the audience’s attention throughout. This performance was a true testament to the talent, discipline and creativity of our students, highlighting the power of hard work and collaboration. It was a fitting finale to a truly memorable week.
The Drama and Dance Festival 2025 was not only a celebration of performance, but also a celebration of community. A heartfelt thank you to all students, staff and visiting professionals who made the week such a success.
Annabel Hooper
Drama Subject Lead
Students from Dover Court International School Singapore had an exciting experience this year, as 24 of our outstanding Year 5 and 6 students represented us at the Nord Anglia Education Southeast Asia Games 2025, hosted by Northbridge International School in Cambodia.
