Learning
The Works Theatre Company is passionate about its Education and Learning work
Secondary Schools
We are currently working on a productions of ‘Romeo and Juliet' and 'The Tempest' to tour schools later in the year.
Workshops for all ages
We continually run a programme of various workshops. Contact us for more information.
Romeo and Juliet and The Tempest
Secondary Schools Tour 2007
The Works Theatre Company attempts two of Shakespeare's most loved plays this year to discover worlds of tragic conflict and yet, love against all the odds.
The two productions are both cut down to abridged versions which last an hour each and can be viewed alone or together depending on each schools needs. We aim that the hour students spend with us is frenetic, exciting and we hope, hugely entertaining. It is suitable for students studying a range of subjects including English, English Lit. Theatre Studies, Drama or any other performance related subjects and is designed to fit in closely with needs of the curriculam. We also run workshops with these shows.
Our aim is to bring the text to life for local students, to have fun with the text and to challenge conventional interpretation. The director says:
“This is not simply a production of Shakespeare's plays, it is an exploration of the world that Shakespeare creates. Here, we have love, magic, desert islands, Kings, Princes, mythical creatures and incredibly exciting narratives including power struggles, family feuds, violent retribution, alcohol, love, fear and so much more. Ingredients enough to rival any Hollywood thriller! So if we can’t grab the attention of students with this material then we’ve failed miserably! We believe that presented in the right way, we can inspire a response to theatre making, Shakespeare and indeed to the play itself and hope to work with schools into facilitating ways of breeding this positive mentality amongst students.
We are devoted to provoking a reaction from our audience, indeed this is what excites us the most. Our productions are malleable and we believe that the chemistry established with the audience is what makes theatre exciting and use this to try and transcend to another level of interaction with the text. Therefore, we do not underestimate our audiences. Clearly, the production is ideal for students studying the play and indeed any Shakespeare text as it is useful in terms of ’wider reading’ as well as giving ideas in how to bring a Shakespeare text to life.” It can be a great way of introducing a play to students but it also fantastic in contiuing work already done.
Expenses: In order to cover our expenses we ask for a small donation of £2 per student. However, we understand that some students might not be able to pay this so are reasonably flexable with this. We prefer that if possible, this is sent as a cheque made payable to ‘The Works Theatre Company’ before we perform but we’re happy to come along with buckets so students can pay on the day. In some cases, schools prefer to offer a donation to us directly from them so that students can enjoy the performance free of charge and this again is absolutely fine.
Please also be aware that we are able to adapt the needs and interest of each school. This includes performance space, students that the production is aimed at, workshops with the performance etc. Please do contact us to discuss any of these.
We are particularly looking for schools to visit in early July and late September. Please do not hesitate to call us on 07931961594 if you have any queries or just to show an interest.
If you’re interested in us visiting you, contact us to request an information pack.