OUTREACH SCHOOL TOURS
Our outreach tours bring Shakespeare alive for thousands of primary and secondary pupils, in schools that are located in some of the least advantaged parts of our region's communities. Completely free, these tours have been igniting a passion for Shakespeare since 2016.
DELIGHT IN SHAKESPEARE - Primary Schools Tour
We've been working with Delight Charity since 2016, bringing Shakespeare alive for primary school children, their parents and teachers through an especially created programme of performances, workshops and Artsmark accreditation.
Delight's ethos echoes our own - "Our vision is for every child to have an equal opportunity to thrive during their school years and beyond, whatever their starting point or background." - and the effect of our collaboration has made a significant impact on the lives of the participants: 72% of children eligible for pupil premium increased their sense of self-worth.
For many pupils this is their only chance to see live theatre. Read the 2020/21 report
“I thought the project was unbelievable. I learnt to say my words clearly. I liked that we all supported and helped each other.” Participant
“It feels amazing to be performing and it makes me happy to put a smile on people's faces.” Participant
THE PLAY'S THE THING - Secondary Schools Tour
"This will be the only experience of live theatre that some of our students have ever had. Many of them will probably never see a production of Shakespeare again." Sunbury Manor School
Now in its 7th year, The Play's The Thing visits secondary schools in Surrey with a high proportion of socially and economically less advantaged young people.
Any school is eligible to receive this for FREE if they have an above average number of students eligible for pupil premium (free school meals), or are below the national average of students achieving a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in English and Maths GCSE.
The tour comprises a live production of Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet, a Q&A with the cast and a follow-up workshop. It provides GCSE students with professional insight at a crucial point of their academic life, provoking discussion and stimulating further ideas for classroom study.
“The workshops were again pitched perfectly for the audience. We liked the way that they enabled every student to have an opinion on various aspects of the play - even those students that have struggled with it.” Sue Barker, English & Maths Technician, Woking High School
Check out our YouTube playlists for some of the films we've made of previous tours MACBETH | ROMEO & JULIET
The Play's The Thing has, for the 7th year running, been made possible through funding from The Geoff Herrington Foundation, and for 2024 is co-produced with The Orange Tree Theatre.
CONTACT US
If you would like to support our outreach programme please email Kerrie Driscoll our Creative Learning Producer, or call 01483 301590.