Education

Although our education work is mainly focused on schools workshops directly linked to our productions, we really do believe that there are many benefits in using theatre in any educational environment.

In the right hands, theatre can help anyone communicate ideas and feelings; it can develop confidence and self-esteem in relationships and sensitivity towards others; it can help with the development of critical awareness; and with the limitless creativity of the imagination (and everyone has an imagination), theatre has the unique potential to engage all levels of experience, willingness and ability.

Rupert Brooke

Alongside the tour of Rupert Brooke we offered two educational workshops inspired by the show and Brooke’s poetry. Both were designed for schools and were aimed at students of English, Drama and Theatre Studies, Key stages 4 and 5.

The Poet – A creative writing workshop.
Led by published poet Antony Dunn, the workshop looked at the show’s effect on our understanding of Brooke’s poems and how this can inspire original writing.
The Actor – A theatre practice workshop.
Led by members of the company, the workshop explored how we bring ‘real’ people to life on stage and the challenges presented when the entire cast consists of one…

“We got to cover all the bases with all of our favourite practitioners, which was a real help in my written exam”.
Year 13 Theatre Studies student

“It was fun for a start, but with the performance fresh in the pupils’ minds it was a good way to explore and support our own ongoing work.”
Drama and Theatre Studies teacher from Kennet School, Berkshire

Useful Donkey runs official standard CRB checks on all workshop leaders.

If you would like to book a workshop or would like more information on our schools work then please send an email entitled education to info@usefuldonkeytheatre.co.uk