For Teachers and Drama Practitioners

Supporting the Curriculum

You may already be aware that the Bloomsbury Theatre has an artistic policy for students and schools that seeks to present work by professional theatre companies. Our programme is designed to support the curriculum and encourage active participation from schools in Drama and Theatre studies, English and theatre related activities.

Last autumn saw over 6,000 schoolchildren attend performances of Terry Deary's Horrible Histories over a two week run, Birmingham Stage Company’s production of Othello also proved popular with schools as did our Christmas production of Roald Dahl's Danny the Champion of the World. For many of the schools it was their first experience of the Bloomsbury and UCL.

The UCL Drama Society presented a sell out production of Wertenbaker's Our Country's Good supported by workshops to link with the A Level Drama & Theatre Studies syllabus. In January and February 2008 we hosted several events in conjunction with the University of London Greek Festival including workshops and lectures linked to the National Theatre's production of Euripides' The Trojan Women (see Classics at the Bloomsbury) as well as hosting the Classical Drama Society's production of Aeschylus' Agamemnon. In April Actors of Dionysus performed Bacchic, a provocative update of Euripides' The Bacchae.

This summer saw our partnership schools and colleges perform on our main stage including IRIS's outreach schools performance of Aristophanes' Peace and a provocative new play by playwright Christopher Rodriguez in conjunction with City & Islington College.

We continue to visit schools and colleges with our outreach programme designed to enrich the curriculum in all areas, drawing on drama as a powerful teaching medium. We offer tailor made workshops in consultation with the teachers concerned and linked to the GCSE/GCE at all key stages.

Masterclasses for students

Masterclasses and UCAS workshops are closely linked to our Widening Participation unit at UCL. Our Teacher’s Focus Group also allows us to respond to the needs of schools and colleges in the local area by sharing ways in which we could work in partnership. Our projects will bring together culturally diverse young people and arts practitioners, establishing links between artist and venue and developing new audiences within the local community.

Teacher’s Focus Group

Be part of our plans for 2008

Teachers from secondary schools and FE/sixth form colleges in the local area are invited to meet with UCL Bloomsbury staff to exchange ideas for future education projects.

Schools and colleges represented will have a chance to find out about opportunities for students to be a part of a variety of projects, including extra curriculum activities, masterclasses and youth theatre programmes.

When do we meet? We meet four times a year and this quarterly year group provides valuable support and inspiration for all drama teachers and practitioners using drama with children and young people.

How do you join? Contact Rebecca 0207 679 2914 or email: rebecca@thebloomsbury.com