LAMDA
LAMDA is firmly embedded into life at Woodbridge School, empowering students by encompassing a wide range of subjects including acting, verse and prose, public speaking, spoken English and musical theatre.
LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art); the oldest drama school in the United Kingdom, founded in 1861. The largest statutory speech and drama award body in the country, LAMDA co-curricular lessons are not only great fun but excellent experience for budding actors since they build confidence and belief, helping students acquire new skills that benefit and fulfil their every-day life, at School and beyond.
The ensemble is at the heart of LAMDA’s work, Drama is a collaborative art form and students are taught the importance and benefits of collaboration.
Woodbridge School Drama and LAMDA
Woodbridge School’s Drama department is proud to be associated with LAMDA and the benefits of this association are clear. Students looking to develop their performance, confidence and stage presence benefit hugely from LAMDA lessons and examinations; projecting their voices, improving memory and recall, varying their tone, inflection, pace and volume are all skills that help support our young actors’ development and enjoyment of performing.
LAMDA examinations
Students have the chance to take examinations in LAMDA, the speech and drama equivalent of a music grade; exams begin at basic level and culminate at Grade 8. Using performance to develop self-confidence, strengthen speaking voice and encourage physical presence, the exams are a great way to help students develop a sense of individuality and define their character.
LAMDA exams are designed to develop necessary skills for communicating dramatic text to an audience. Students develop interpersonal, technical and performance skills that encourage growth in vocal and physical confidence, self-expression and creative work.
For the academic year 2022-2023, our LAMDA students achieved 100% distinctions. Testament not only to the hard work of our students and their teacher Mrs Lockwood, but also to their commitment and dedication.
LAMDA performances
At Woodbridge School, LAMDA students have the opportunity to experience performing in our award winning Seckford Theatre, the ideal place to showcase their talent and experience on-stage performing.
Showcasing their talents and helping to increase and improve their confidence in terms of performing, students take part in a show every year in School, each time with a different theme. Past shows have included The Wonder of Words , A History of Theatre, Woodbridge Has Talent , A Journey Through Time and more recently The Jolly show.
LAMDA tutelage
From Year 7, students can sign up for weekly LAMDA lessons in School, receiving personal tutelage delivered by our exceptionally talented, skilled and creative LAMDA staff Mrs Lockwood and Mrs Robinson – you can read more about them below.
Meet the staff
Susan Lockwood (Head of LAMDA)
Originally trained as an actress, Susan has been teaching LAMDA for over 30 years, the last eight of which she has been a LAMDA examiner.
Susan also teaches all over the world via zoom, delivering the LAMDA syllabus on behalf of the academy. A qualified spoken voice teacher, Susan has also recently achieved a MA in Voice Pedagogy,
With her own private practise and more recently having become part of the Voice Teacher Company, she also works for SCITT teacher training, teaching vocal health.
Vocal Masterclass for Drama Scholarships and Enrichment Students
LAMDA Senior Showcase 2022
Fantastic LAMDA Results
Woodbridge School Celebrates Impressive LAMDA Achievement
Want to see for yourself?
In addition to our open days, we welcome visits from parents and children looking for the right foundation for life ahead. We’ll be happy to show you around and answer any questions you have about our School, staff and the support we offer our students.