More Than the Roles They Play
By Leslie Stellwagen, Head of Middle School Drama, Dover Campus
18 June 2026
When Middle School students took to the stage under the direction of Drama Teacher, Paul Lucas in Look Up, they weren’t just telling a story about a group of teenagers who step away from adult control to search for truth, identity, community, and a place where they can fully be themselves. They were, in many ways, living it.
While the performance marks the final moment on stage, much of the learning happens in the process that leads there. Rehearsals became a space where students could take risks, support one another, begin to find their own voices and understand who they are, together.
For many students in the cast, taking on a character became a way to better understand who they are. Emilia, Grade 8, reflected that the experience helped her “not listen to what people say and just be myself,” while Oksana, Grade 7, shared that the fear of judgement fades when you learn self-acceptance and understand that everyone is working towards the same goal.
Over weeks of rehearsals, the dynamic begins to change. What starts as a group of individuals becomes a close-knit cohort. As Hriana, Grade 8, observed, working together over time builds relationships, even between people who didn’t know each other at the start. Sophia, Grade 6, also shared how the experience strengthened friendships and created new ones, while Tessa, Grade 7, simply valued being part of something bigger than herself.
At first, it was really hard to perform in front of the other cast members, but once we got to know each other, we became a community.
– Inés, Grade 8, Dover Campus
This sense of trust is intentional. As a Department, Drama teachers consciously cultivate an inclusive environment where young people feel safe when taking up leadership positions.
This begins early in Grade 7, when students are encouraged to take on mentoring roles within productions, supporting younger cast members and setting the tone for collaboration. Rahee, Grade 8, reflected on this responsibility, sharing the importance of staying positive and making the most of the opportunity to guide others.
As students move into High School, these leadership opportunities expand. In student-led productions, they take on roles as writers, directors, and designers, shaping performances from concept to stage. Some also return to support the Middle School Drama Club as Service volunteers, where they have earned the affectionate nickname of “Elders” from younger students.
For Grade 10 students Mason and Sonia, this role has been incredibly rewarding. Mason reflected on learning not just acting techniques, but how to lead and teach a group, while Sonia valued the opportunity to deepen her understanding of drama while building connections with younger students.
Beyond our current students, we also provide opportunities for recent graduates to return to the department as interns. This allows them to apply the skills they’ve developed in a professional setting. Taking a gap year, Rohan Davies, Class of 2025, returned to support us as a guest lecturer, assistant director for Middle and High School productions, and mentor for student directors.
“The Drama Department was incredibly welcoming, creating the perfect environment to grow into the wider world,” he shared. “I was treated as an adult, which pushed me to take responsibility, adapt to new situations, and learn how to lead. You have the space to figure out what to do, rather than being told what to do. At the same time, you know that if you do ever get stuck, you can ask for help.”
As students progress through theatre as part of UWCSEA Activities programme, we provide more leadership opportunities. In Short Form, High School students apply to write, direct, and produce a short piece of theatre with student actors. In Student Directed Productions, Grade 11 IBDP Theatre students audition, design, and direct a scripted piece with student actors.
What we are building within Drama programme at UWCSEA, is more than a performance on stage or a polished final show. It is a space where students build a sense of community and grow in confidence. They also learn to lead along the way, even when things don’t quite go to plan. By the time they leave, what stays with them is something more grounded and real: a sense of confidence that has been earned and can be carried into whatever comes next.