Schools Activities / Autumn 2015
Creative Learning
at the New Wolsey Theatre is for you, every season we offer a series of standalone workshops, short projects, and touring productions created to meet the needs of students, teachers and schools - with activity designed to support the English, Drama and PHSE curriculum. Thanks to our continued support from Suffolk County Council we’re able to keep charges to a minimum, so read on to find out more about the many ways you can get involved and get in touch. Rob Salmon / Associate Director
Backstage tours and ways to find out how the theatre works and how we make a production - from page to stage. A wide variety of in-school workshops and projects, which can be tailored to suit your needs. Opportunities throughout the year to meet creative teams, discover rehearsal techniques, explore creative processes and ask questions. Discounted tickets for schools.
We are now an
This means that we can support you in taking your young people through their Arts Award. Many of the workshops and activities that we offer in this booklet could be part of building your students’ Arts Award portfolios, so take a look! stated, s, unless otherwise All of our workshop ver, we understand that Howe last for one hour. so we will be s differently, and rk wo ol every scho timetabling. to ible with regards as flexible as poss
Industry Days £80 plus VAT At the Theatre KS1-5 A class sized group This half day visit to the theatre gives students the opportunity to find out first hand how a professional theatre operates. This includes a backstage tour of the theatre, a practical workshop and the chance to meet the staff.
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Backstage Tour £2.50 per head plus VAT At the Theatre KS1-5 A class sized group
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes in a busy producing theatre? Come and find out! Our extensive tour will take you from stage door to substage and everywhere in between. And who knows who you’ll meet along the way!
Specialist Creative Development Drama Club
£350 plus VAT 6 Sessions At School / KS1-4 A class sized group A six week project for a class sized group to explore theatre as an artform. This introductory series develops students’ theatrical awareness and skills, and gives them the creative language to develop new stories, characters and ideas. The project culminates in a sharing of ideas or a short performance.
£25 per hour plus VAT At School KS1-5 A class sized group We can offer an expert view on your creative projects for students and teachers alike. We will provide you with a professional theatre maker who will come in and give guidance for in-school productions or exam pieces, CPD opportunities or anything else which will enhance theatre making and creative practice within the school environment.
Audition Techniques
£60 plus VAT At School / KS5 Up to 10 people A workshop for KS5 students wanting an insight into the audition process, what to expect, and how to prepare.
Staging Shakespeare’s Stories
£60 plus VAT At School KS2-3 A class sized group A lively and interactive workshop designed to engage young audiences with Shakespeare’s stories. Using their own creativity, students will explore narrative and characterisation to bring one of Shakespeare’s plays to life.
Shakespeare:
Breaking the Barriers £80 plus VAT At School KS3-5 A class sized group A two hour long workshop designed to engage young people with Shakespeare’s text and make it relevant to their modern day lives. Using a series of rehearsal techniques, students will learn how to unpick meaning within the language and present Shakespeare’s text using their own interpretations.
Coming Soon in Autumn 2015… Macbeth re-invented for 9 - 13 year olds Our secondary schools production of Frequently Asked Questions is getting ready to roll Discover Sweet Charity with renowned choreographer Francesca Jaynes Plus much more…
Read on…
to discover more about our upcoming events and find out how you can get involved…
Meet the Creatives!
Throughout the academic year there’ll be opportunities for your students to meet leading industry creatives who are connected to our productions.
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Sweet Charity Choreography & Dance Masterclass
with Francesca Jaynes ÂŁ80 plus VAT Wed 9 September KS2-5 A class sized group / 1.5 hours
Meet renowned choreographer Francesca Jaynes and discover more about Sweet Charity and her role in creating the show through both discussion and practical work. Francesca is a professional choreographer and movement director and has worked in feature films, television and theatre. As well as work with the Royal National Theatre, English National Opera and New Wolsey Theatre, her many film credits include work with Tim Burton (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Sweeney Todd), Mike Leigh (The Pirates of Penzance and Topsy Turvy) and Steven Spielberg (Artificial Intelligence). We have a limited number of workshops to offer schools on this day, so book soon to avoid disappointment!
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Contender Charlie, China Plate and Warwick Arts Centre present
Macbeth – Blood Will Have Blood Tue 29 September – Fri 2 October 10am & 1pm shows Reinvented for young audiences, an accessible and unforgettable introduction to Shakespeare. A macabre porter invites us into Macbeth’s castle, taking us right into the dark heart of Shakespeare’s play. Razor sharp storytelling, a dramatic on-screen world and a heart-stopping soundtrack take us on a break-neck journey through the blood-soaked world of Macbeth. Reinvented for children aged 9 to 13, Macbeth – Blood Will Have Blood is an accessible and unforgettable introduction to Shakespeare’s shocking story of ambition, greed and the abuse of power. Supported by Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton and funded by Arts Council England
£10 tickets For more information or to make a booking please contact Elise Golbourn: E: groups@wolseytheatre.co.uk T: 01473 295902
Autumn 2015 Secondary Schools Tour
Mon 28 September – Fri 23 October The New Wolsey Theatre presents
Frequently Asked Questions
A 10 step guide to adult life: by teenagers We want to start with a bit of a warning, a disclaimer – this isn’t a play, its ten plays. Ten short plays that set out to tackle some of the greatest questions about life, plus you’ve got the chance to win a pack of Union J stickers, a Zac Efron key ring, sweatbands and much more. Don’t miss your chance to find out what loves got to do with it, why the fluff in your belly button is always blue, and War – what is it good for?* * Absolutely nothing, say it again y’all.
There are two workshop options with the production: Cross curricular: A nonsubject specific workshop for the whole year group, to explore the themes of adult life and growing up. Devising theatre workshop: Explore theatre making and devising methods specifically for G.C.S.E. or A Level Drama students.
Get in touch to find out more and book this production
Thank you to our supporters Ernest Cook Trust, Backstage Trust. The Steel Charitable Trust, Scarfe Charitable Trust and The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust.
Schools Touring Programme
Each year we produce two schools touring productions, one for primaries and one for secondaries. These are partly funded by Suffolk County Council, and include engagement opportunities such as post show discussions and workshops.
In Spring Term 2015 we hit the road and toured our primary schools production
When I Grow Up?
Over four weeks we performed to almost 3000 pupils from 47 schools across the region. Part funded by Suffolk County Council, the play is aimed at students in years 5 & 6, and is about aspiration and making choices. The feedback from teachers and students was terrific… “ Well paced, beautifully scripted and clearly had child led content at its heart” “ The play generated lots of discussion and helped to bring together various PSHE strands for both Year 5 and 6.” “ Thanks again for a most entertaining and inspiring afternoon”
We’re already planning our next primary schools touring production for Spring 2016… get in touch to register your interest!
Don’t miss the following productions, both of which draw on themes of immigration and displacement and include workshops and opportunities for schools! Contact us to register your interest.
The Edge
The Silver Sword
Transport’s new devised production is a touching and human take on climate change and globalisation, researched in India and with young adults in England. Transport are offering free tailored workshops for students 14+, touching on methods of devising, creating an ensemble or exploring issues of diversity, citizenship and climate change.
Sell A Door Theatre company are offering:
Thu 8 to Sat 10 Oct
Mon 2 to Wed 4 Nov
Schools resource pack and workshops A drawing competition – entries will feature in an online gallery and in the theatre foyer throughout the run, with the top prize winners’ art featuring in the play itself! On Wednesday 4 November there are two free events to accompany the matinee: Pre show talk, 12pm: The Way Back to Humanity: The Kindertransport (45 mins) Across Europe thousands of children were displaced by war and persecution during the 1930s and 1940s. Dr John Greenacre examines the background to the boys’ evacuation and their experiences as refugees. Post show: Page to Stage (30 mins) Meet members of the creative team to explore in depth the realisation of the production, from the page to stage.
Are you looking to find contemporary theatre for your GCSE Drama or A Level Theatre Studies students? Our Pulse Presents programme is an extension of our annual Pulse Festival, which offers a bright and inspiring snapshot of contemporary theatre with established and emerging artists from the local area and from further afield. Fringe First Winners 2014
photo : Manuel Vason
Thu 10 September
Thu 17 September
Antarctica
Vesper Time Confirmation
CHRIS DOBROWOLSKI presents This is an adventure story about overcoming hardships and celebrating difference via tales of cannibalistic ducks, ladybird books and a sledge built out of gold picture frames. Produced by Artsadmin New Wolsey Studio 7.45pm
Head to
STACY MAKISHI presents
Vesper Time takes a bold look at loss and mourning and her one-time wish to be a missionary. Vesper Time weaves together the undercurrents of Moby Dick and 80’s and 90's pop culture to offer up a ‘vesper’, a secular evening prayer. New Wolsey Studio 7.45pm
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Tue 17 November CHRIS THORPE presents
“You always make decisions about what you believe based on hard evidence. Naturally. Or maybe not... Confirmation is a show that lets nobody off the hook: not us, and definitely not Thorpe.” Lyn Gardner on Confirmation ★★★★ Guardian High Street Exhibition Gallery 7.45pm
In January 2015 we re-launched our Creative Learning Lounges! These events are a chance to have a drink and some nibbles, chat to us and meet the creative teams and companies behind some of our productions. Oh, and see a show…all for free! New for 2015, we now invite a theatre company or industry creative to present details of their forthcoming production either practically or through discussion. These informal sessions are designed to give insight into these productions, as well as rehearsal processes and theatre techniques. Since January we’ve welcomed METIS, China Plate and our very own Peter Rowe who have shared creative practice as well as some fantastic resource material to accompany their productions. Here’s what teachers have thought so far… “Incredibly interesting with a lovely atmosphere” “The wealth of opportunities sounds wonderful for our pupils” January 2015
“Excellent resources… love it!” “Very relevant and understanding to the needs of teachers” “Good delivery, clearly explained” “Very welcoming session, everyone was approachable” February 2015
Look out for news of our next Lounge in the Autumn Term – to get invites direct to your inbox, just email sthomas@wolseytheatre.co.uk
Unlocking the Text
ÂŁ60 plus VAT At School KS4-5 A class sized group This workshop explores the rehearsal process in breaking down a play, focusing on characterisation, intention, subtext and relationships within the text.
Forum Theatre
Exploring Issues through Drama ÂŁ80 plus VAT At School KS3-5 A class sized group
Using techniques made famous by practitioner Augusto Boal, students learn about his practice while exploring key issues within their lives through drama.
Play in a Day
£10 per head plus VAT At School or Theatre KS1-5 A class sized group Immerse yourself in the creative process and spend an entire day responding to a classic text or devising a brand new piece of theatre. You choose the text, and we’ll take your students on the creative journey! We can also offer discounted tickets to stay on and see a production that evening, subject to availability.
Raising Aspirations
£350 / 6 sessions At School KS1-4 Up to 12 people A six week project for 6-12 students to develop their confidence and ambitions through a series of games and theatre exercises designed to motivate, challenge and inspire.
Stage Combat £80 plus VAT
(up to 15 participants)
£120 plus VAT
(up to 30 participants)
At School / KS3-4 Learn the techniques of unarmed stage fighting from trained professionals who will safely show you the tricks of the trade. Students will have the opportunity to choreograph a short unarmed fight sequence in connection to a piece of text.
Blood, Guts & Gore £80 plus VAT
(up to 15 participants)
£120 plus VAT
(up to 30 participants)
At School / KS3-4 A workshop in the art of gory theatrical effects. Expect black eyes, bloody noses, terrified passers-by, suspicious looks and lots of fun!
Opportunities for children and young people Throughout the year, we run weekly workshops for young people aged 7-22, that are designed to increase participants’ theatre knowledge and experience, as well as developing confidence and social skills. We audition for these groups every January.
Drama Club
For primary school students aged 7-11 who want to learn about theatre and make new friends. Group meets weekly on Saturdays during term time.
Youth Theatre 1 & 2 For secondary school students aged 11-15 who want to develop their abilities as performers. Groups meet weekly on Tuesdays during term time.
Youth Theatre 3
For secondary school students aged 15-16 who want to develop their abilities as performers. Group meets weekly on Wednesdays during term time.
Youth Theatre²
For young people with additional needs aged 11-20, who want to explore theatre and develop their skills. Group meets weekly on Mondays during term time.
Youth Arts*
An integrated group for 14-22 year olds who are interested in the many different disciplines that fall under the performing arts banner. Group meets weekly on Saturday afternoons during term time. *No audition necessary. Contact us for more information.
Young Company
For 16-22 year olds who want to increase their knowledge, skills and experience as theatre makers working with a variety of industry professionals. Group meets weekly on Wednesdays during term time, with occasional Sunday rehearsals.
Young Associates
For 18-21 year olds who are actively pursuing a career in the arts and want to gain first-hand knowledge and experience in a professional theatre environment.
If you would like to book or have an informal chat about any of the activities listed here, give us a call or email us using the details below: Sian Thomas
Creative Associate (Learning) E: sthomas@wolseytheatre.co.uk T: 01473 295930
Marcus Neal
Creative Learning Administrator E: mneal@wolseytheatre.co.uk T: 01473 295930
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