MORE THAN A STAGE
Interview with Sarah Garlick
At ACS Egham, Performing Arts is more than a subject. It’s a transformative journey – one that encourages students to grow in confidence, creativity, and empathy. And few understand this better than Sarah Garlick, who brings warmth, expertise, and deep purpose to her work across drama, musical theatre, and the IB Theatre programme.
“When you see a child light up on stage – someone who might be quiet or reserved in other areas of school – that’s when you realise how powerful performing arts can be,” Sarah reflects.
From Lower School plays to full-scale musicals like Matilda and Madagascar, Sarah sees firsthand how students come into their own through rehearsal, collaboration, and shared creativity.
The IB Theatre Experience
For students in Grades 11 and 12, the journey becomes even more impactful through the IB Theatre course, a programme that Sarah believes sets ACS apart.
“IB Theatre is not about memorising a script and delivering it. It’s about understanding theatre as a global practice – exploring different cultures, traditions, and performance styles.”
The course challenges students to think deeply and work independently. They analyse live productions, study international practitioners, devise original work, and reflect on theatre’s purpose in society.
“What’s special about the IB is that it encourages inquiry,” she explains. “Students aren’t just acting – they’re researching, reflecting, collaborating. It’s rigorous, academic, and deeply creative.”
Beyond the Stage
Sarah is passionate about how theatre equips students with real-world skills that transcend the stage.
“We’ve had students go on to study medicine or law, and they tell us later that theatre helped them in ways they didn’t expect,” she says. “Reading body language, understanding tone, active listening — these are skills doctors and leaders use every day.”
Whether students are pursuing the arts professionally or taking a different path entirely, they carry with them tools for communication, empathy, and self-awareness.
“Theatre helps you step into someone else’s shoes – literally. That kind of emotional intelligence is invaluable in any profession.”
Building Confidence, One Rehearsal at a Time
In every year group, students at ACS Egham are encouraged to take creative risks in a safe, supportive environment.
“What I love about the arts is that they give students permission to explore who they are. It’s a space where mistakes are part of the process, and discovery is the goal.”
Performing Arts at ACS is proudly inclusive, with opportunities for all students to get involved – whether on stage, backstage, or in support roles. Everyone has a part to play, and everyone is celebrated.
A Culture of Collaboration
What truly sets ACS Egham apart, Sarah says, is the unique culture of cross-grade collaboration. School productions regularly bring together students from Lower, Middle, and Upper School – creating a mentoring environment where younger students are inspired by older peers and older students take on leadership roles naturally.
“When a Grade 4 student is rehearsing next to a Grade 11 IB Theatre student, something really special happens,” Sarah explains. “They learn from each other, they support one another, and they grow together.”
This multi-age dynamic fosters a sense of unity, mentorship, and shared pride that ripples through the entire school community.
The Lasting Impact
Sarah is confident that the value of Performing Arts lasts long after the curtain falls.
“Whether or not they pursue drama or music professionally, students leave with confidence in who they are. That’s what makes it worthwhile.”
In a world that demands flexibility, resilience, and empathy, the arts give students the space to grow – not just as performers, but as people.
