Touring theatre groups
Touring theatre companies use drama as a means to engage, motivate and communicate with their audiences, while exploring a particular concept or idea.
Educational theatre companies usually work in one of two ways – by producing tailor-written plays which address specific issues, such as the benefits and rewards of HE or the fears/anxieties of potential students, or through motivational drama workshops.
Theatre is an inspiring way to promote the Aimhigher message directly to the target cohort and raise awareness of the opportunities in HE.
Case studies
Below are some examples of the work carried out by educational theatre companies and the ways they have worked with Aimhigher partnerships to promote HE.
‘The Promise’ - Zip Theatre (Wolverhampton)
This piece of musical theatre was originally commissioned by Wolverhampton LEA and has been taken up by Aimhigher co-ordinators in Oxford, High Wycombe, Aylesbury, Northampton and Milton Keynes.
‘The Promise’ is a motivational programme aimed at Year 9 and 10 students which explores options, doubts and new opportunities in an entertaining and accessible format. It embraces the Aimhigher objectives and encourages young people to consider post-16 progression options and HE entry.
For more information, visit the website.
‘Widen the World’ - CragRats (Nottingham)
‘Widen the World’ focuses on four characters whose hopes, fears, knowledge and enthusiasm could be reflected in the lives of many Year 11 pupils. The storyline presents the wide range of post-16 options, the pressures of exams and the influence of parents, teachers and peers when it comes to decision-making. Young people then had the opportunity to explore these issues in greater depth through workshops run by the actors.
Aimhigher Nottinghamshire worked with Connexions and the LSC to fund the tour which has visited 66 mainstream and special schools in Nottinghamshire. In October 2004, the production helped over 7,000 Year 11 pupils in Nottinghamshire focus on their future plans. The scheme was then repeated in January 2006 when 7,500 Year 9 pupils attended the performances throughout the region.
Post performance analysis shows that as many as 89% of the children who attended the performances said that they now understand more about the options available to them.
For more information, click here.
‘Your Life!’ - Gibber (Northumberland)
Gibber was commissioned by an Aimhigher co-ordinator in Northumberland to write and produce a piece of theatre for Year 12 students. The result was a 35 minute high energy magazine style show that uses humour and popular culture to convey important messages and information about their options post sixth form.
The main aim of the performance was to empower the young people to think about their futures and take control of their own lives.
For more information, visit the website.
‘HE 4 ALL’ - ImpAct on learning (Greater Merseyside)
ImpAct on learning has delivered the 'HE 4 ALL' performance to Year 10 pupils from across Greater Merseyside for the last four years. Their motivational, fast paced show demonstrates that HE is for everyone, whilst also dispelling some of the myths and misconceptions.
The performance can be tailored to meet specific requirements and covers the effects of peer and parental pressure, progression routes to further and higher education and issues around student finance.
ImpAct undertake all of the administration for the tour and provide a full evaluation service. Teacher resource packs support the performance and 45 minute workshops are also available to selected schools.
'Theatre and' (Norfolk)
Aimhigher Norfolk used Theatre and to deliver educational presentations to year nine students in the area. They chose to work with Theatre and because they felt they were experienced and professional. They presented the most flexible and cost effective bid. Theatre and tailored the product to fit Aimhigher Norfolk's needs and they have re-booked them for future presentations to year nine end eleven pupils.
Theatre and constantly monitor and evaluate progress to ensure aims and objectives are met. This resulted 100% confidence from Aimhigher Norfolk in the complete evaluation process.
To find out more about Theatre and, please visit their website.
Useful links
Zip Theatre –
CragRats –
www.cragrats.comGibber –
www.gibber.orgImpAct on Learning –
www.impactonlearning.comY Touring Theatre Company –
www.ytouring.org.ukBiteSize – www.bitesizetheatre.co.uk
