The drama department is relatively new at Nonsuch but has developed enormously in the last few years. It now consists of the Head of Department and one other full-time drama teacher. Drama is offered at all levels with students at KS3 having a 70 minute period every other week throughout the year. The focus in the lower school is on building a sound understanding of drama in theory and practice. Students study the development of drama through the ages and explore the use of movement and vocal skills, the use of narrative and the ability to create and sustain a role. A structured programme of study is in place which enables a clear progression from Year 7 to Year 9.

Drama is an extremely popular option at GCSE, with three groups in each of Years 10 and 11. Following the AQA specification, students focus on scripted and devised work. The department also offers Edexcel Drama and Theatre Studies at AS and A-level. Examination results at all levels have been excellent.
There is a huge appetite for drama at Nonsuch - clubs are popular and well attended, and the West End and fringe theatres of London provide a wealth of opportunity for theatre trips. School productions form a highlight of the school year; recent productions have included ‘The Secret Garden’, ‘Grimm’s Tales,’ ‘Arabian Nights’ and ‘Dracula.’ Examination level students are also able to present practical work for an audience. The department are currently working towards a whole school production of ‘Wind in the Willows’ which will be performed in February 2005.

Drama facilities in the school are modest - the department is currently housed in temporary accommodation which is equipped with lighting tripods and versatile staging. Well resourced in terms of books, having a library of plays and theoretical texts, the department also owns costumes, props and make-up and is equipped with TV, video recorder, CD players, video camera and digital camera. The main school hall is used for major productions and has a proscenium arch stage, but a more intimate theatrical space can be created when desired - earlier productions ‘The Crucible’ and ‘Twelfth Night’ were both performed in the round.