At Queenwood, the Drama program is much more than just a class or an extracurricular activity. It’s an immersive experience that fosters confidence, creativity, and courage in young women. To shed light on this unique program, Ms Rebecca Birch, the Director of Research and Practice, sat down with Ms Jade Gibson, the Head of Drama, to discuss how Queenwood’s approach to Drama education empowers students both on and off the stage.
Ms Gibson is quick to highlight the passion and intensity that define the Queenwood Drama program. “At Queenwood, we don’t just value the arts—we live and breathe them. Our focus is on delivering rich learning experiences and first-class Drama education, covering its history, key practitioners, and the craft of making and performing theatre. We ensure that our students are always front and centre in this process.” This commitment is evident across all levels, from Kindergarten Drama classes to the mainstage whole-school musicals.
The program’s emphasis on participation is what sets it apart. “Across both our programs—curriculum and cocurricular—our girls are under the lights, they're treading the boards; we treat them very much as artists in the room and artists in practice,” Ms Gibson explains. This hands-on approach encourages students to see themselves as artists and creators, not just as participants, fostering a sense of ownership and agency in their work.
One example of the impact of this program comes from a Year 11 political protest unit, where students created a powerful piece about the ‘Gender Pain Gap’ in medical care. “The students produced a compelling live performance that addressed the disparities in how pain is perceived, reported, and treated across genders,” Ms Gibson recalls. By incorporating verbatim monologues from women worldwide, the students brought raw, authentic voices to the stage, using theatre as a medium to explore real-world issues. These experiences not only showcase the students’ talent but also their ability to engage with meaningful topics and recognise their potential as artists to affect change.
Building courage in performers is a key goal of the Drama program, and this begins from the earliest stages of education. “It really depends on the girls. Some are naturally boisterous and eager to jump into the spotlight—we don’t need to go looking for these girls to entice them to participate!” Ms Gibson quips. For others who are more reserved, the approach is more organic. “We engage with our girls, observe their interests, and encourage them to step into the drama space. We start small, with performances in front of peers, gradually increasing the scale. The goal is to create a strong community where our girls watch and support each other’s work. We encourage honest feedback and foster an environment where girls feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them.”
This supportive environment is essential to building confidence. Ms Gibson emphasises the importance of how students present their work. “We script positive language for them to use when presenting work in progress, such as saying, ‘This is my work in progress, and I invite your feedback,’ instead of apologising for perceived imperfections. This helps them understand that they are evolving, and it’s okay to be a work in progress.” By modelling risk-taking and resilience themselves, the teachers at Queenwood give students the permission to embrace these qualities.
Humour also plays a significant role in the Drama classroom. “If I see the girls laughing, smiling, and being playful, diving in and even laughing at their own mistakes, I know they’re ready to learn. It’s a sign they’re engaged and primed for growth.” This light-hearted atmosphere reminds students that it’s okay to laugh at themselves and that making mistakes is part of the creative process.
Ultimately, the Queenwood Drama program is about more than just developing performers. It’s about shaping thoughtful, confident, and courageous young women who are ready to face the world. Through Drama, students learn to express themselves, challenge the status quo, and understand the world around them, all while building a strong sense of self and what it means to be a woman of courage in today’s society. At Queenwood, Drama is not just an art form—it’s a way of cultivating bravery and passion, one performance at a time.