This post is written by Lexi Earl. Many of the schools we visit invite artists, performers, touring companies, and other creative people in to talk to students, demonstrate techniques, run workshops, or perform plays. These types of experiences offer wonderful opportunities for the young people to see what it is like to ‘do’ a particular … Continue reading visiting artists, sharing life lessons
Performing
what kind of pirate are you?
This post is written by Lexi Earl. Late last year, I had the opportunity to see Coriolanus at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. It was a spectacular performance, and I was completely immersed in the story and the characters. I found myself paying particular attention to the fight scenes. I watched as the actors moved together … Continue reading what kind of pirate are you?
walk with me: social media, theatre companies, and young people
This post is written by Lexi Earl, on her visit to Treviglas Community College. What do you think of when you think of a theatre company? Do you think literally of a theatre? Of performers? Of stage design, sound and lighting? Of plays you have seen that have stayed with you? I certainly do. But … Continue reading walk with me: social media, theatre companies, and young people
a wall, a lion and a moon
I have been immersed in Shakespeare for the past few weeks. Many of the schools I have visited as part of our Year 3 research visits have been RSC partnership schools and so I have been watching students learn sword-fighting, talking to young people about their participation in productions of The Tempest, or observing them … Continue reading a wall, a lion and a moon
understanding complex moral debates through drama
This post is written by Lexi Earl. During my visit to Sacred Heart School in Newcastle, I observed part of a Year 8 drama class. The class were studying a scheme of work based on Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle. The play the girls were studying revolves around a boy who is left abandoned by … Continue reading understanding complex moral debates through drama
using masks to convey emotions
This post is written by Lexi Earl. On my trip to Ricards Lodge High School in Wimbledon, I sat in on a Year 11 drama class with teacher Jack Ralton. Upon entering the drama studio I was surprised to see the picture of Suffiyah Khan standing up to an EDL member at a march in … Continue reading using masks to convey emotions
understanding theatre as collaboration
This post is written by Lexi Earl, on her visit to The Bridge School in London. When I visited The Bridge School (a special school for children with severe, profound and complex learning difficulties), I had an unexpected opportunity to accompany the 6th form to the theatre. On the day that I visited, they had … Continue reading understanding theatre as collaboration
the play is not always the thing
In September 2016, over 30 lead teachers from the RSC Lead Associate Schools and theatre practitioners from Regional Theatre Partners came to Stratford-upon-Avon for the first national CPDL event of our new Associate Schools programme. The three days were designed to: Build capacity among teachers and theatre practitioners to lead the programme in their … Continue reading the play is not always the thing
an emphasis on performance
Chris Hall reports on her visit to Launceston College in Cornwall. Bryan Maywood, the head at Launceston College, keeps his old year 10 English folder in his desk drawer. The folder reminds him about his own learning in English, a subject he’s passionately interested in now. He remembers the support and advice he got from … Continue reading an emphasis on performance
the ensemble approach
The final observation during my visit to Minsthorpe School was a rehearsal for 'Henry V' by the school Shakespeare ensemble. The students describe themselves as the 'Henry' group and are an extra-curricular group of Years 7, 8 and 11 pupils, launched by English Teacher, Sally Thompson, following her RSC Learning Performance Network (LPN)training. The scene … Continue reading the ensemble approach
