Live Theatre logo

SEARCH

Education

Live Theatre is committed to developing positive relationships with schools across Tyneside. By working in close partnership with teachers and pupils Live’s Education & Participation team aims to create a series of bespoke projects and events that will capture the imaginations of both teachers and pupils. This includes delivering Theatre In Education projects, young writers projects and school residencies in harder to reach communities. 

Current projects include:

FIRST DRAFT 2008

FIRST DRAFT WRITERS 2010

First Draft

First Draft is a unique annual schools project that gives Key Stage 2 pupils the chance to create a 10 minute play which is brought to life with the help of professional writers, actors and directors.

Focusing on schools situated in some of the most socially deprived areas in the city, First Draft is delivered in three distinct phases over several months:

Phase 1: Outreach sessions at school
Two of Live’s education and outreach staff deliver weekly sessions with year 5 pupils at the participating school.

Phase 2: Two-day residency at Live Theatre
The class select their six favourite stories. The writers are then invited to work one-to-one with an experienced writer who, using the characters they devised in their development sessions, helps them each to write a 10 minute play

Phase 3: Rehearsals and performances at Live Theatre
The six new plays are passed on to professional directors and actors and the young writers attend some of the rehearsals. The final plays/pieces are performed on the main stage at Live Theatre

First Draft Testimonies
“It was exciting and each week it got more exciting, with new games and more
writing. It was a great experience. It was once in a lifetime one.”
Jordan, First Draft 2009 participant - St Michael’s RC Primary School

“There was a general recognition that the young writers had returned to school with more ‘fire in their belly’...First Draft is possibly one of the best experiences that I have had in primary education. I have never seen anything like it”.
Barrie Russell, Head Teacher, Wellbeck Primary School

“The First Draft project is a fantastic opportunity for young people from some of the poorest areas of Newcastle to experience creating professional theatre, it is a jewel of a project and the results are always entertaining”.
Giles Carey, Newcastle City Council Arts Team

This year pupils from Christ Church Primary School, Sheildfield dare you to take a seat as they transport you to a fantasy world full of danger, conspiracy and street dancing! More information or to book First Draft 2010.

First Draft fits within the current government National Literacy Strategy.

Teachers Lab

This is an exciting professional development programme that introduces teachers to a variety of easy to use drama tools and techniques to enhance professional practice in the classroom. Courses are held twice a year and led by a range of professional practitioners. No previous experience is necessary participants, just a desire to learn.

“There was a wide range of ideas which I could really see myself trying out in the classroom”.
Jackie Davison, Teacher

“Good teaching tips and clear links through drama and writing”.
Sophie Unwin, Teacher

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about either of these projects or to discuss educational opportunities in more detail email the Administrator Sam Bell or call her on (0191) 269 3488.