LAMDA Examinations
The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is one of the oldest drama schools in the United Kingdom. LAMDA began offering speech examinations to the public in the 1880s. Since then, these examinations have been refined and developed into a comprehensive system of performance evaluation by experts in education, acting and communication.
LAMDA at St Mary’s Calne
At St Mary’s, girls can participate in graded examinations in Verse and Prose, Public Speaking, Acting and Musical Theatre. They will have 30-minute lessons once a week for solo performances taking Grades 3-5, increasing to one-hour lessons for duologue lessons or solo performers taking the medal grades (6-8).
Verse and Prose
Verse and Prose is a good introduction to LAMDA for those girls who have not studied the course before. They can work as a solo performer or in a pair and will prepare and learn a poem and piece of prose, which they deliver to a visiting examiner. This course concentrates on the vocal delivery of the written word. There is also a theory element where the girls answer questions about their chosen texts and vocal techniques used.
Speaking in Public
The perfect course for pupils who want to enhance their public presentation skills. Girls work as solo performers and prepare speeches and visual aids with their teachers, which they then deliver as a speech to a visiting examiner. There is a theory element to the course where the girls are asked about their choices and have an improvised conversation with the examiner.
Acting
The most popular of the LAMDA courses available at St Mary’s. Girls can work as a solo performer or in a pair and will prepare two to three performances for a visiting examiner, depending on their Grade. There is a theory element to this course where the girls will answer questions on their choice of pieces and characterisation.
Musical Theatre
Our experienced acting professionals work alongside the Music Department in delivering the LAMDA Musical Theatre course. Girls can work as a solo performer or in a pair and will prepare three musical performances encompassing singing, acting and movement for a visiting examiner. There is a theory element to this course where the girls will answer questions about the musicals, characters and singing techniques involved in their performances.
LAMDA Showcase Evenings
There are two opportunities a year for the girls to perform. The LAMDA Showcase evenings are informal events which provide a great opportunity for parents and friends to watch the girls' performances.
LAMDA Staff
Our LAMDA teachers heave a wealth of experience – over 50 years amongst them! We are fortunate to have a team of professional Actors, Directors and Drama Specialists who teach to the highest standards, which is clear from the excellent examination results achieved every year.
For further information, please visit https://www.lamda.ac.uk/lamda-exams/our-exams or contact our LAMDA Co-ordinator, Mrs Frederica Underwood, on