Live Performances can do Much More for Secondary Students than Boosting Drama and English Grades
A night at the theatre can demand an encore, discovers Kelly Clark…
- by Kelly Clark
A theatre trip can be a thrilling experience for young people. And aside from giving them a better understanding of scripts they are studying or drama techniques, live performances offer so much more.
“A high-quality production can engage young people in culture, immerse them in a story, inspire learning and raise aspirations, as well as being a fun day out,” says Nancy Shakerley, education and outreach manager for Disney Theatrical Group. The organisation’s education programmes offer resources to inspire learning in the classroom, workshops giving students an opportunity to experience musical theatre, and online video resources demonstrating the process of theatre making and careers available behind the scenes.
A window of inspiration
Actor Christopher Lee Power, who works in theatre, TV and films, knows the impact a live performance can have on inspiring career aspirations. “A play is not just about a group of actors telling a story,” he explains.
“There is so much that goes on behind the scenes: props, set design, costumes, lighting, sound, PR, producers, directors. I wonder if students would ever think about a career in lighting or costume design if they did not visit the theatre? It’s not just about entertainment; it can also help young people in their development by encouraging them on many levels, whether that be to think about their career or their own issues, hopefully leading to discussion or to inspire them to move forward in life.”
Cristin Casey, director of performing arts with the Burnt Mill Academy Trust in Essex, uses live performances to inspire a lifelong love of the arts. “Live performances offer students an inspirational window into a new reality,” she points out.
“A text comes to life and characters leap off the page. The excitement and spectacle provided by live performance sticks for a lifetime and the impact is far-reaching. It allows students to think creatively around the topic, further embedding and solidifying learning while inspiring the next generation of creative minds. We incorporate a range of performances to excite and challenge young people and we seek to celebrate diversity beyond our school community. It is the opportunity to expose young people to a range of challenging topics to reach them in a meaningful and permanent way.”
Shared experiences
Zest Theatre specialises in making interactive work for young people. The company’s show Thrive dealt with the issue of trauma and followed teenaged characters as they experienced the emotional aftermath of their friend dying. Developed with psychologists, the show encouraged its audience to roam and create their own experience of the performance.
“Experiencing arts and culture is an entitlement that all children and young people should be able to access,” insists Toby Ealden, Zest’s artistic director.
“For many, the opportunity of a theatre trip organised by their school may be their only chance ever to experience live performance. This is why it is so important that these moments aren’t solely used to help unpack set texts. Live theatre is a unique and dynamic environment; a shared experience that can help to challenge our way of thinking, provokes debate, and gives us a greater connection to the world around us. This is even more important for young audiences in their most formative years.”
Children & The Arts seeks to make the arts sector accessible for all. A survey of teachers involved with the organisation last year saw 90% report a positive impact on academic skills, and 97% said students’ confidence and creativity increased.
“There is real excitement around visiting an arts venue,” comments chief executive Jeremy Newton. “That new third space, away from school and home, can provide the right environment for students to grow as individuals. Experiencing a live performance can help stimulate students’ own creativity and their critical faculties. For those students struggling with mainstream education, it can help to improve their understanding and attainment. Exposure to the arts nurtures communication and language skills, analysis and teamwork. This contributes to raising confidence and self-esteem.”
