Opportunities for Primary Schools

• Curriculum based workshops
• Theatre Days workshops
• Partnership work
• Playhouse
• Wake Up History
  

Curriculum based workshops

York Theatre Royal offers round the year curriculum based workshops that are available in school and at the theatre. Download our Experience brochure below to see some of the opportunities available. If you can’t see what you are looking for, please contact us as bespoke projects are usually possible.

'Theatre Days' workshops

Working around our children's productions, in the morning we work with the children on activities linked to the productions themes, this might be a theatrical tour, workshop and craft making activity. Then in the afternoon they will go to see the afternoon performance.

Previous Example: Hare and Tortoise

A class came for a tour of the theatre, where they were read a letter from Tortoise that explained the Hare had left parts of the story lying around the theatre and asked for their help. After a tour, the class had a practical workshop exploring the themes of opposites, seasons and friendship.

After lunch the class made a hare or tortoise puppet, before going to see the show.

"Thanks for a really wonderful day. The children couldn't stop talking about it on the coach and at school over the next few days."
- Sylvia Klays, Hempland Primary

"Thank you for a truly wonderful day! The children gained so much from all the experiences; memories to treasure!"
- Louise Leaf, Bootham Juniors

Partnership work

York Theatre Royal has developed a focused Partnership with Education and Theatre (PET) Project which works with schools (primary and secondary) every year to facilitate creative learning across all curriculum subjects. By allowing students to see the curriculum in action they can relate the subjects being studied to their practical use in the "real world".

Various York Theatre Royal departments including accounts, box office, the café bar, marketing, production, wardrobe and even the acting companies are actively involved in projects that allow schools to show students the curriculum in action. The public rarely see the day to day work that goes in to ensuring a production reaches the stage, however through individually tailored PET projects we use these processes to show students how subjects they are studying can be applied practically.

Our PET schools for the current academic year 2011/2012 are:
Carr Junior
Joseph Rowntree School
Knavesmire Primary

We are currently developing a new model for PET that will allow us to work with a greater number of schools. We hope to be able to offer different packages that will suit the needs of different schools and will be linked to the development of iCAN, the International Centre for Arts and Narrative.

If you would like any further information about PET please contact Julian Ollive on 01904 658162 or email education@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Playhouse

Playhouse 2012 is a unique performance project aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils, giving pupils and staff the chance to:

• Perform a brand new play for young people, written by a professional writer for a class or group of pupils
• Perform at York Theatre Royal in a special 3 day festival celebrating the work of the involved schools
• Receive comprehensive training on developing performances for the professional stage
• Receive advice and support from professional theatre practitioners throughout your rehearsal process
• Receive a constructive evaluation of your performance to further develop school productions and performances

The Playhouse 2012 writers include Julia Donaldson, Richard Hurford, Nell Leyshon, Jane Thornton and David Wood.

The cost of involvement in the project is £350, which includes the Playhouse Retreat weekend.

To register your interest in the project, or for more information, please call Jessica Fisher on 01904 658162 or email education@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Dates to remember:

• Friday 9th December - Deadline for applications
• Friday 9th – Sunday 11th March 2012 -The Playhouse Retreat at The Chevin Country Park Hotel, Otley
• Early July 2012 (dates tbc) - The Playhouse Festival 2012

Comments from past Playhouse participants:

"Many parents thanked us for providing the children with the opportunity to do a project like this and said how much the children had enjoyed the experience."

"A great opportunity for professional development."

"Allows you to see a different side to the children you teach and for them to see a different side to you."

"A unique opportunity to meet the playwright and find out what their motivation and references for writing the piece were. What they see in their mind's eye for the production. You put your own spin on it but it provides a starting point"

"Valuable chance to work alongside theatre practitioners and pick up new games, innovative ways of approaching the text for the first time with the class, hints for effective rehearsal times and practical issues like ideal time scales for rehearsal process."

The Force of Nature performed by Park Grove Primary School	The Playhouse Retreat	Persephone performed by Knavesmire Primary School

Wake Up History

An exhilarating historical theatre experience for Key Stage 2 children. Be inspired by theatre and motivate your children all term with our fun packed project.

History wakes up and comes to your school! The children meet an historical character, hear of their adventures and take part in drama based activities. The humorous and educational monologues have been written by the celebrated playwright Jane Thornton (Authour of Wuthering Heights and I Want That Hair) and are brought to life by a professional actor. Follow up activities are delivered by one of our education staff.

The package also includes a well stocked resource box containing a wealth of materials and cross-curricular lesson plans linked to the monologue, enough to complete a whole term's work.

Projects currently on offer in the Wake up History! series:

World War II - The Shopkeeper's Story

The audience meets Arthur Moss: Shopkeeper, Cockney dock worker and evacuee in Yorkshie during the Second World War. As he's setting up stock in his new shop, Arthur enacts the story of his life, from leaving London as a child by train, to rationing, gas mask practice and air-raid shelters. The children help Arthur bring his story to life and hear first hand about the bombs, the songs and life as an evacuee during World War II.

Who: Available to the whole of your KS2
Where: To be performed in your school hall
Length: One and a half hours (includes performance and activities)
Cost: £150 + travel (including teaching resource box)
Available Autumn Term 2012

If you are interested in making a booking, or have any further questions, please contact Jessica Fisher, Education Administrator:
01904 658162, education@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk