Outreach

We are dedicated to working with all sections of society and run several outreach programs with some of the most disadvantaged Surrey residents. Our over-riding objective is to broaden cultural engagement and nurture the audiences and artists of tomorrow.

Delight in Shakespeare (c) Alex Brenner
We are always looking to find new ways of engaging with those who wouldn’t normally be able to access our work. In Autumn 2018 we will launch Brave New World, a programme of pilot programmes to assist disadvantaged schools and reduce social isolation in the community.

The children absolutely loved the workshop. It was incredibly inclusive. Children from our deaf unit could participate through to our highest able Y6s.” Guildford Grove

We have raised over £60,000 for our work in 2018-19 and the aim of the pilot projects is to create a detailed report, which we will deliver to local authorities and charities to encourage further projects and continued provision. Please see the links below for  details on the individual projects.

If you would like more information, or are interested in helping fund these projects, please email Ant Stones

School Tours

With the support of the charity Delight,  we reach a new generation of theatre-goers with our professional touring productions and follow-up workshops, many of whom have never visited a theatre, let alone seen Shakespeare performed live.

Through our partnership with The Geoff Herrington Foundation and Guildford Community Grants Scheme we will take a similar project to disadvantaged GCSE students in Surrey in November 2018, providing them with professional insight at a crucial point of their academic life.

2019 will mark our our fourth year of touring Shakespeare’s plays to the most disadvantaged primary schools in Surrey. For more information please see our Touring page.

School Residencies

Through our ongoing collaboration with The Wrentham Trust, we will provide free workshops at Guildford Grove Primary School until 2022. We will work with all children in years 4-6, providing a six week course for each class which supplements and assists their curriculum learning.

“We absolutely love working with the GSC and, once again, the quality of the performances and workshops is unparalleled. It’s all the children can talk about.” Joe Bibby, Teacher at Guildford Grove School.

Following a day-long workshop in 2018, The Guildford Poyle Charities and Natwest's Skills and Opportunities Fund have provided funding for a year-long partnership between GSC and King's College Guildford. Entitled A Time For All Things, the programme will provide every student with 5 hours of Shakespeare workshops across the academic year, in the build-up to their GCSEs.

"It made me realise that with just a little work and guidance from professionals, Shakespeare can be quite easily understood.” King’s College Student.

Over the last few years, we have also been able to offer discounted tickets for our professional productions to local schools.

Free Placements

In 2018 we granted three children from Weyfield School a free, year-long placement in our Saturday Drama Club, in conjunction with The High Sheriff Youth Awards. After only one term with us (20 hours), their school-life increased dramatically.

“The student’s attendance has been much more consistent in recent months. Her increase in her self-esteem is having a positive impact on her academic performance in school and she has made accelerated progress in the three core subjects this term.” Weyfield School Teacher.

We host a variety of children on work-experience and grant bursaries for children who benefit greatly from our clubs, but wouldn’t normally be able to afford it.

Spirit of Youth

Inspired by Channel 4's Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds and aimed at tackling social isolation in the elderly, Spirit of Youth will take ten children from Weyfield School to a local residential care home.

“Over 60 per cent of residents in care homes never receive visitors, which has a damaging impact on  their emotional and physical well-being, even life expectancy. Children are open-minded and have an infectious energy, which will allow both generations to challenge and enjoy themselves in a risk-free environment.”
Over the course of ten weeks, the children and adults explore a Shakespeare play together. Under GSC’s guidance they work together to create a 15-20 minute version of the play which will then be performed to family, friends and the wider community.

With My Eyes

Our ‘Excluded Youth’ project will invite teenagers who have been excluded from school and their parents to join us weekly drama sessions. Divided into their two peer groups the participants will have the opportunity to create a piece of theatre about their experiences which they will eventually show to each other. Under the guidance of experienced drama therapists, the project will enable each group to share what they are going through. 

Our Partners & Funders

Would you like to join them?

Please email us for more information about how you could help support our Outreach projects