Playhouse is a national collaboration between Plymouth Theatre Royal, Polka Theatre, Dundee Repertory Theatre and York Theatre Royal. The four theatres work together to commission professional playwrights each year to write short plays specifically for large casts of young people aged 8 to 11 years to perform. There will be 4 festivals performing the new plays across the UK. This year the writers will include Julia Donaldson, Bridget Foreman, Christopher William Hill, Kevin Dyer, Geraldine McCaughreen and Philip Ridley.
Each theatre works with 6 schools in their city and supports the development of the teacher as a director. The project is launched with representatives from all 24 schools coming together for a 2 day retreat with the 6 writers. Following the retreat, the teachers then return to school to rehearse the play with professional development opportunities throughout. This year the festival will feature performances by the following groups - Park Grove Primary School, Knavesmire Primary School, Archbishop of York's CE Junior School, Hempland Primary School, Copmanthorpe Primary School and York Youth Theatre.
Comments from past Playhouse teachers:
“Impacts on future productions in schools, gives teachers a working model to use in own productions, shows children the magic of theatre”
“Amazing experience! Final result is an enormous pride in what the children have achieved along with an increased confidence in own ability to run a production”
“Unique opportunity to meet the playwright and find out what their motivation and references for writing the piece were. What they see in their minds eye for the production. You put your own spin on it but it provides a starting point”
We will be begin recruiting schools this Autumn for our Playhouse 2010 Festival, if you would like more details please contact Jessica Fisher, Education Administrator on 01904 658162, or education@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
A brand new historical theatre experience for key stage two 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 – Wuthering Heights, 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, to complete a whole term’s work.
Projects on offer in the WAKE UP HISTORY! Series:
The Tudors:
The Trumpeter’s Tale.
The audience meets Thomas Sprott, first trumpeter to Queen Elizabeth I. His story goes back to the reign of Henry VIII. His family have witnessed many historical events and come through many hardships to earn their distinguished position in the royal household. The children help Thomas sing songs, work as a Spit boy, attend a Coronation, avoid execution and conjure up the atmosphere of the streets of Tudor London, in this highly entertaining and enlightening tale.
The Victorians:
The Photographer’s Portrait.
The audience meets Gertrude Bunting: Portrait, landscape and travelling photographer. She has arrived to take the children’s school photograph. As she prepares the plates, Gertie enacts the story of her life, from ladies maid at Castle Howard, to documentary photographer for the York Board of Health. Through her pioneering career, she has even met Charles Dickens in person! The children help Gertie bring her story to life and hear first hand about art, science, travel and the lives of rich and poor in Mid-Victorian times.
And coming soon… World War II
Information for all 3 shows:
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).
If you are interested in making a booking, or have any further questions, please contact Jessica Fisher, Education Administrator:
on 01904 658162 or e-mail education@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
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