Music & Performing Arts

The performing arts are deeply valued at Sir John Deane's. Whether you are a vocalist, traditional instrumentalist, popular instrumentalist, actor, dancer or technician, you will be sure to find something exciting to be a part of.

Co-curricular Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to join a talented community of musicians, actors, dancers and budding technicians both on stage and behind the scenes.

An extensive calendar of performing arts events allows musicians to perform as part of a number of ensembles, while some of our more intimate shows set the stage for our gifted and talented soloists.

Our recent alumni have been awarded places at prestigious conservatoires of music, dance and drama, including the Royal Academy of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Italia Conti and Bird College.

An opportunity for students to perform various symphonic works in a large ensemble. There are seats available for strings, woodwind, brass and percussion (including tuned percussion). Pieces range from film music to musical medleys to popular classics. No audition required.

Rehearsals take place every Wednesday afternoon.

An opportunity for students to sing advanced choral works in tight three or four part harmony. Students wishing to be part of this ensemble will be required to perform some difficult harmonies. No audition required.

Rehearsals take place every Monday after college.

 

Students may form their own musical ensembles, such as string quartets, folk groups or brass and woodwind ensembles.

Rehearsals take place every Tuesday afternoon.

Tech Crew gives students the opportunity to explore technical theatre and to learn from events and theatre industry professionals. Students gain hands-on experience with the various technologies used in live events, and have the chance to put this into practise by supporting college events and productions. Weekly sessions  include tutorials and practical tasks based around sound operation, lighting design, live video and stage management, as well as some theoretical knowledge of the concepts behind these disciplines.  Some of the topics covered include: mixing live audio; rigging, programming and operating lighting; video recording & streaming; backstage roles and responsibilities; set construction, trussing & staging.

Tech Crew takes place every Tuesday afternoon in the theatre.

Each year, students are invited to audition for our flagship college production, whether as performers in the cast or musicians in the band. Past productions have featured acclaimed titles such as Return to the Forbidden Planet, Our Country’s Good, Little Shop of Horrors, and Almost, Maine. In 2025, our talented students dazzled audiences with three sold-out performances of the stage adaptation of the hit film Legally Blonde.

Auditions will take place at the beginning of half term 1. Full cast rehearsals will take place on Wednesday afternoons.

Concerts & Performances

Our 2025/26 programme of concerts and performances will soon be available to view on this page along with a link to book tickets to all of our events.

Performing Arts Showreel

Let the River Run