royalexchangetheatreeducationreview

2008 / 2009

Royal Exchange Theatre

Welcome from Artistic Director Greg Hersov

Between April 2008 and July 2009 we…

• worked with 6,512 individuals

• led 866 workshops

• created 38 new projects

• employed 76 volunteers and mentors

• worked with 111 freelance artists

• presented 45 project outcomes in the Theatre and The Studio

Over thirty years ago a group of artists created aunique theatre building that reflected a sharedbelief in the power and purpose of theatre andhow that purpose could be experienced mostvividly by the community. Since then the RoyalExchange Theatre has flowered and progressed in many different ways. Education is now centralto our artistic vision. We want the world oftheatre to be open, inclusive, accessible,empowering and life enhancing to all those whowish to participate. We’re passionate and proudof the quality and aspiration of our Educationdepartment’s work. This review gives you someidea of what we do. We hope you will be able tojoin us in discovering things you never dreamtwere there... 

Exchange EducationAnnual Review 2008/2009Our programme of education and outreach workengages over 4,000 people a year. We passionatelybelieve in the transformative power of theatre andthe essential role of the creative imagination in allour lives. Our work aims to create opportunities forpeople to explore theatre, get involved in creativeprojects, and make the theatre their own – inshort, to discover things you never dreamt werethere… We work with schools, individual childrenand adults, community groups and professionaltheatre-makers, from Early Years to Elders. Wework with our participants and partners to createnew work and make theatre projects which areinspired by the building and the professional workthat takes place both behind the scenes and onstage in the Theatre and The Studio. Some of thehighlights are outlined in this review – we hopeyou’ll enjoy reading!

AMANDA DALTONASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (EDUCATION)

In September 2008 we openedthe Education Lounge, a workinglounge complete with comfysofa, chair, coffee table and TV.But the Education Lounge is alsoa lounge with a difference: thechair talks, the coffee tableexhibits changing displays andhas secret drawers full of thingsto do and make, and the TVfeatures work made by Educationparticipants and short films ofrecent projects. The Lounge isalso a meeting place, a shopfront, and an information pointfor the work of ExchangeEducation. Why not drop in?

Between September 2008 andJuly 2009 the Lounge became apopular place for visitors to relax;it also hosted 76 workshops andevents for 1,441 Educationvisitors, including tours, drop-inswith Directors, the BOTTLE!exhibition and Little Lizardsworkshops for under 5s.

Education Lounge

Primary Schools PartnershipInvestigating ways that drama can inspire pupils tobecome more emotionally literate, this project ranover 10 weeks in Spring 2009 and worked with 60Year 3 pupils in mixed classes from Cravenwoodand Crumpsall Lane Primary Schools (Manchester).Sessions encouraged the exploration of feelingsand promoted a greater spoken vocabulary, withliteracy skills monitored throughout the project.This project is being further developed during2009/2010. Supported by PriceWaterhouseCoopers

“[By week 6] we are already seeing an integrated usage of new language in the pupils’written work.” HEAD TEACHER, CRAVENWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Podcasting Project Working with a group of 19 Year 9 IT students fromHathershaw Technology College (Oldham), thisproject explored how theatre approaches can beused to expose students to practical applicationsof technical expertise. Our Deputy Head of Soundwas employed to devise and deliver a scheme ofwork that would give students the technical skillsrequired to create an in-school podcast. Thestudents decided on the core aims of the project,and their work covered creative team work,recording skills, interview techniques, softwareusage and post-production values.

Formal Education

Work with schools and collegesforms a core element of ExchangeEducation. Much of our work isfocused on the 10 districts of GreaterManchester, but we also work withschools from across the UK.Between April 2008 and July 2009we ran 350 workshop sessions with3,793 participants from over 90Formal Education organizations

The students identified the workas being “exciting” and “moregrown up than other lessons”.They also ranked “working betteras a team” as being a key benefitof the project.

Supported by Creative Partnerships East Lancashire.

Secondary SchoolsPartnershipOver 15 sessions 78 students from Heaton School(Stockport), Pendleton College (Salford) and Levenshulme High School (Manchester) usedPicasso’s Guernica as inspiration to explore non-verbal forms of theatrical communication and theemotional narrative of storytelling. The projectalso used fragments of poetry to explore non-naturalistic performance. Since this project wehave been invited by Heaton School to become oneof their Creative Community Partners.

“Our students found the workchallenging and dynamic. The practitioner had a brilliantapproach, and pushed them to create valuable work.” TEACHER, PENDLETON COLLEGE

YES WE CANexplored ways in which drama strategies can beused to develop emotional literacy amongstdisaffected, under-achieving, white working-classboys. This project with Cedar Mount High School(Manchester) engaged with a group of 19 boys over13 sessions and resulted in YES WE CAN, a devisedpiece of ensemble theatre in which all the boysperformed on the main stage at the RoyalExchange.

Supported by PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

Creative Partnerships Change School projectWorking with 90 pupils from St Columba’s Primary School (Bolton) across four classes,(nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 4), the projectfocused on raising attainment through makingstories with drama and film. The culminatingcelebration day was attended by over 200 familyand friends.

“When I acted it out I thought ‘I’m not scared anymore.’”PARTICIPANT, ST COLUMBA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

BOTTLE!was designed to positively engage young people ina creative process which encourages empathy, co-operation and self confidence, and worked with 20Key Stage 3 pupils from 3 Manchester High Schools(Newall Green, Brookway and St. Paul’s). Followingan intensive 7 days exploring facts, issues, mediaimages and public attitudes around the themes ofalcohol and young people, creative outcomesincluded an animated film, an interactiveinstallation in the Education Lounge, liveperformances of improvised scenes and poems,and filmed interviews with Co-operative staff.

Supported by The Co-operative; jointly managedwith the My Life Centre in Wythenshawe

Tours and workshopsIn this period we also led:

65 tours and workshops for primary, secondary, FEand HE students, reaching over 826 participants

17 show-related workshops for over 1,189participants

9 workshops as part of a Cheshire County Councilinitiative, for over 600 students

“[ ] came with terrible reportsfrom school and was in troubleeverywhere. She was very veryunsettled. At the start of theproject she was very insecure andshy – but she stuck with it. Shewent on to become a reallypositive force in the project.”CENTRE MANAGER, MY LIFE CENTRE

HE and Training

Higher Education partnerships provideopportunities for us to work with theatreacademics and with undergraduate and post-graduate research students who have the seriousintention of becoming professional theatre-makersand drama educationalists. A central aim for theselinks is the development of mutual creativelearning, and opportunities for active research andevaluation.

CPD and INSET for teachers, trainee teachers and arts practitioners forms a core element of many of our partnership projects, and in addition we alsooffer standalone tailored CPD sessions.

Manchester University: Writing for PerformanceDelivered by our Education and Literarydepartments, this course involved two teachingsessions each week over a four month period.Students attended performances of 4 productionsat the Royal Exchange and each produced anoriginal playscript for assessment.

MMU: THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREESThe first step in a planned developmental link, thismini-project with Manchester MetropolitanUniversity aimed to offer B.Ed students a range oftheatre-based approaches to making work bothfrom narrative text and from performance.

Tameside Diversity projectInitiated by the Equality, Multiculturalism andAccess Team for Tameside, this partnershipprogramme has, to date, included one and a halfdays of Teacher CPD and 4 half days with pupils in one primary and one secondary school inTameside. The focus of the work is the use ofdrama-based strategies in the creative, meaningfuland safe exploration of complex issues.

In the medium term, the project aims to supportthe development of a creative framework for adrama-based approach to integrating Diversityawareness and teaching into the curriculum.

“Inspiring and practical. I can usethe techniques we explored toenrich and enhance the curriculum– to tackle difficult and sensitiveissues in a non-invasive way.”TEACHER, ROSEHILL SCHOOL

Standalone CPDDuring this period we have offered the followingtailored CPD sessions to individual bookers:

• Approaches to Greek Drama

• Approaches to Shakespeare

• Conflict Resolution through Drama

• Diverse Voices

• History through Drama

• Working with Monologues

• Horse + Bamboo Theatre: Approaches to Making Theatre

Work PlacementsDuring the period April 2008 – July 2009 thetheatre offered over 50 individuals placements indepartments including Education, Lighting, Sound,Stage Management, Wardrobe and Workshop.

The central aim of our CommunityPartnerships Programme is to reachgroups who are under-represented in theatre, who may not otherwiseaccess the Royal Exchange and/orwho may be at risk of socialexclusion. Between April 2008 andJuly 2009 we ran 114 workshopsessions with 265 participants fromover 15 organizations.

Community Links: Theatre tickets, tours and workshops for a wide range of partners. In2008/2009 these have included:

• Lesbian Gay Youth Manchester

• Rochdale Connections Trust

• City Centre Project, Manchester

• Body Positive Northwest

• Windrush Centre, Manchester College

Community Projects: The opportunity for groupsto work with us on the creation of an original,theatre-based piece of work, often for presentationin The Studio.

LOST LETTERS Using the title as a starting point, LOST LETTERSwas developed with Manchester’s Booth Centre (acity centre advice and activity centre for homelesspeople) and Landridge House (a day care centre,based in Harpurhey, for adults with learningdisabilities).

The groups each worked with a drama practitionerover 15 sessions to create their own pieces oftheatre. 27 people from the Booth Centre took partin one or more drama workshops, with 11 takingpart in the performances. 15 people from LandridgeHouse took part for the duration of the project,including three members of staff.

LOST LETTERS sold out two performances in TheStudio, and we have continued to work with bothorganizations through theatre visits, occasionalwork shadowing and contributions to projects.

“Pure entertainment, with anincredibly powerful and relevantmessage for the whole of society.Beautifully performed by all thecast. Well done everybody.” AUDIENCE MEMBER

Community Partnerships

UP ON THE ROOFbrought together two diverse groups (Salford Drugand Alcohol Forum and the Guide Bridge TheatreGroup for adults with long term mental healthneeds) to develop a unique response to theDrifter’s recording of Goffin and King’s song, andMaura Dooley’s poem of the same name.

27 participants took part in the project, whichincluded 15 creative sessions building towards amatinee and evening performance in The Studio,as well as theatre tickets and a backstage tour.

Through this project the theatre also co-ordinatedthe early stages of an investigation into the longerterm benefits and positive impact of creativityoutside a participatory drama project – inparticular, how creativity can influence the choicesmade by adults experiencing alcohol and/or drugdependency issues.

“I loved the performance - thesinging and movement, and I really enjoyed hearing thepersonal stories. I’m so glad I got to come.” AUDIENCE MEMBER

“I thought about the project on adaily basis probably because beingpart of it has affected so manyareas of my life in such a goodway. I feel confident – I’m holdingmy head up for the first time in along time.” PARTICIPANT

GO AWAY AND THINK ABOUT ITexplored the developmental benefits of workingwith a community group on a second intensiveproject. Over 12 sessions, the Booth Centre and adrama practitioner created an original piece oftheatre which was performed over two sell-outperformances in The Studio. Additionally, two ofthe group took on back stage responsibilitiesincluding attending marketing and productionmeetings, writing press releases and appearing onlocal TV and radio to promote the performances.

Channel M, a local Manchester TV station, made a documentary about the project. All theparticipants received a copy and it was shown inthe Education Lounge.

This project was funded by the Activating Places ofChange programme from Homeless Link,supported by the CLG. An evaluation report isavailable on request.

“The project met all the aims ofincreasing people’s skills,confidence, self esteem, helpingpeople to enjoy themselves andhelping them to reduce theirdrinking and drug use. We alsosaw individuals improving theirhousing situation, moving off thestreets and maintaining theirtenancies. The publicperformances enabled us to showover 160 people what homelesspeople can achieve and tochallenge stereotypes.”BOOTH CENTRE MANAGER

Acting For Scared PeopleThis course targeted adults with no actingexperience, but with an interest in learningactively and practically about some of theprocesses behind performance. 22 people aged 23to 71 took part over 8 weekly sessions. 50% werenot previous theatre-goers. The course was pitched as a ‘youth theatre for adults’ and aimedto demystify theatrical processes, and to create asafe environment in which participants could taketheir first steps in acting.

The course will be repeated twice yearly with theaim of leading to the establishment of a biennialperformance project for adults.

Work with Individual Adults

Between April 2008 and July 2009we ran 100 workshop sessions with773 participants aged 18+

Chekhov: story and dramaTo accompany THREE SISTERS, this mini-projectfocused on a selection of Chekhov’s short storiesand on the relationships between story and drama.Over three interlinked workshops – and time spentwriting away from sessions – participants exploredthe processes of adaptation, wrote their ownadaptation, and worked with a team ofprofessional actors, director and writer to see theirwork presented as rehearsed readings.

“Thankyou for putting on such anexcellent course – it exceeded allmy expectations. It certainly tookme outside of my comfort zone. Inever imagined that I would find itenjoyable getting up in front ofothers, I even found the singingfun!"PARTICIPANT, ACTING FOR SCARED PEOPLE

World Wide Workshop: Refugee Theatre CompanyWWW is a regular adult group comprising bothprofessional artists and participants with little orno experience of the performing arts. Launched inNovember 2006, WWW creates and performs allits own work, taking inspiration from variedstarting points. In this period the group createdSCARED (July and August 2008) which was basedon the Refugee Action Campaign on Destitutionand performed in The Studio and as part of theExodus Festival at URBIS, and YOU & ME (June2009) which was performed at Bolton Octagon.

During this period, individuals from the grouphave also been involved in other educationprojects including YPTW and You Are Here,provided production advice for PALACE OF THE ENDand delivered workshops for other refugeeorganizations.

The theatre’s programme of work for refugees andasylum seekers has also included tours, workshopsand tickets for students from the Windrush Centre(Manchester College), tickets for the StockportRefugee Support Group and links with theZimbabwe Association.

“WWW offers me the opportunityto do what I love most, acting, andaffords me the chance to meetwith people who have differentbackground and come fromdifferent countries, culture,religions and languages, and evenpeople of different ages. We learnto work with each other to create aperformance which include manydiverse views in harmony.”ABAS ELJANABI, WWW PARTICIPANT

Between The Lines Meeting monthly since 1999, this informalplayreading and discussion group now meetstwice on each date to cater for high demand. Playsare selected as contrast, provocation or enrichmentof the current play in the Theatre or The Studio andhave included Cuba by Liz Lochhead, Stars in theMorning Sky by Michael Glenny and PeterFlannery’s Singer. In the period of this review 26sessions have involved 460 attendees.

Adult Activity DaysOccasional, one day workshops for adults with theaim of sparking and exploring creative responsesto the current play in production. To accompanyTHE GLASS MENAGERIE, a practical workshopexplored ways in which writers take inspirationfrom their own experiences; to accompany A TASTEOF HONEY the session focused on the socialcontext of Sheila Delaney’s play and on usingpersonal experiences as inspiration.

“Between the Lines has introducedme to plays and writers that evenas an ex-drama teacher, I was notaware. The group discussion andreadings are well planned andalways enlightening, and thecomposition of the groupencourages incisive andenlightened debate.” PARTICIPANT, BETWEEN THE LINES

“I have emerged with pieces ofwriting that I shall be able to useeither as poetry or as part of theplays I have had the confidence to begin.” ADULT ACTIVITY DAY PARTICIPANT

First Bite Theatre Group for 11s-14s

This annual 5 month project offers an introductionto making theatre. Members participate in a rangeof story-making and improvisation workshops andtheir ideas are used to create a short play,presented in The Studio.

2008: Using DR KORCZAK’S EXAMPLE as a startingpoint, participants imagined how children mightcreate a society without adults.

2009: This project included three young peoplewith ASD. A key aim was to create a close groupwho were able to experiment with theatre makingtechniques in a supported, creative and playfulway. Their play took themes from DR KORCZAK’SEXAMPLE and LITTLE LEAP FORWARD.

Between April 2008 and July 2009we ran 258 workshop sessions with 742 young people

Floating Worlds for 10s-14s

Run in partnership with Manchester Camerata,FLOATING WORLDS explored the effectiveness ofusing music and theatre with young people withASD. It aimed to develop participants' empathetic,group work skills and to foster imaginativelearning.

Taking inspiration from a Japanese legend,participants invented their own world. 3 leadpractitioners (music, drama and visual art) weresupported by professional musicians andpostgraduates from Manchester Camerata. Apresentation took place at the RNCM and a childpsychologist provided a full evaluation.

An unplanned outcome was the friendship groupsmany children and parents formed outside thesessions. 2 participants have gone on to join thetheatre's First Bite Theatre Group; 2 have gone onto take up music lessons. A regular theatre andmusic group for young people with ASD is beingdeveloped.

“This project gave my son theconfidence to find his voice. Thelove of music and drama which hediscovered with you has given hima sense of self worth and belief.” PARENT, THE FLOATING WORLDS

Young People’s TheatreWorkshop for 14s-19s

This annual, 7 month project creates a genuineensemble of 30 young performers and makers, and investigates a variety of approaches toenabling them to create their own theatre piece in a professional environment.

The 2008/2009 project, THE MISSING STORIES, wasinspired by Reinhardt Jung’s novel Bambert’s Bookof Missing Stories. With the support of theatrepractitioners from a range of disciplines, the novelwas used to explore the different ways a story canunfold on stage. The whole group took part in avariety of activities from designing sets toimprovising scenes.

“I have learnt so much from thisexperience. It has really broadenedmy knowledge about what itwould be like to work in a theatreand all the opportunities there arewhen it comes to design – it hasalso helped me in choosing my unicourse!” PARTICIPANT, YPTW

THE MISSING STORIES Satellite Half Term Projectaddressed the problem of unmanageably highdemand for involvement with YPTW. 12 youngpeople took part in an intensive week ofworkshops and activities, and their work wasdisplayed in The Studio during the run of THEMISSING STORIES.

Act One for 16s-21s

aims to build on the positive relationshipsbetween the Royal Exchange Theatre and formermembers of the Young People’s TheatreWorkshop, and in particular to nurture thoseyoung people serious about acting careers intheatre.

The 2008 project took our production ofANTIGONE as a starting point to explore ideasof Greek Chorus. It culminated in THE COMMONPEOPLE, with sold-out performances in TheStudio.

“I feel I have achieved a brilliantpiece of theatre that I am proudto have been part of. I’ve got abrand new outlook on theatre.”PARTICIPANT, ACT ONE

THE SEARCH PARTY: Young Muslim PlaywritingProjectThis 12 month pilot project aimed to reach youngpeople aged 16 – 25 who may not have previouslyfelt the theatre to be accessible to them, and toraise participants’ awareness of and engagementwith theatre-making processes. It also sought tobuild links with communities which are generallyunder-represented in British theatre, and toidentify potential playwrights of the future. Anextensive programme of single sex and mixedwriting workshops took place in the theatre and incommunity and school settings across GreaterManchester. Participants were invited to submitplay scenes, 10 of which were selected forpresentation as professional rehearsed readingsover 2 evenings in The Studio. Four of the tenwriters represented are currently receiving scriptdevelopment. THE SEARCH PARTY involved 95workshops with 235 participants, and rehearsedreadings to an audience of 180.

“THE SEARCH PARTY has allowed me to show my individuality.Seeing [my script] perfomed byprofessional actors was veryinspiring, proving to me that I can do anything I set my mind to.” PARTICIPANT

“It’s a wonderful experience to see so many young Muslimwriters.” AUDIENCE MEMBER

Children’s Holiday Workshopsfor 5s-14s

Scheduled in February half term and the summerholidays, these taster workshops cater for variousage ranges and aim to offer an introduction to thetheatre. Many participants go on to join ourregular groups. During this period 34 sessions wererun with 110 participants.

You Are HereA geography classroom: maps on the walls, ahanging globe, a battered desk… YOU ARE HEREinvited visitors to lift the lid and look inside“worlds you never dreamt were there”. The projectaimed to bring together members of the public,school groups, families, community groups andprofessional artists to create an imaginative,original, high quality installation which drew onTheatre in its approaches and themes.

9 groups and 24 individuals created extraordinaryworlds inside ordinary desks. An additional 16individuals, 5 groups and 20 anonymouses(!) sentus their ‘DIY’ contributions to the exhibition.Participants ranged in age from 3 - 78.

6 freelance professional makers led 22 sessionswith groups and individuals to create their ownresponses to the stimulus. Theatre Designer LizAscroft curated the exhibition and Deputy Head ofSound, Pete Rice, contributed 2 soundscapes.

The final exhibition attracted 581 visitors over twodays.

Future projects which build on YOU ARE HERE areplanned for 2010.

You Are Here

“I actually can say that I appreciateart more. I am comfortable enoughto sit and sketch ideas for thingsnow. Part of my project containedsome photographs: I’ve neverreally had a reason to take photosbefore now other than of friendsand family etc. but now I carry mycamera with me to most placesand take pictures of unusual andexciting things”A PARTICIPANT

“Absorbing, fascinating. Mundanemade art. Lovely... One of the bestexhibitions I’ve seen for a longtime. Thanks!” AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

PHONE OR EMAIL EXCHANGE EDUCATIONWe can:

· Give you more information about the workshops andprojects on offer to the public

· Discuss ideas for new partnerships – we are alwayskeen to make new links with organizations,individuals and practitioners

Amanda Dalton (Associate Director, Education) 0161 615 6720amanda.dalton@royalexchange.co.uk

Liam McCormick (Education Officer) 0161 615 6780liam.mccormick@royalexchange.co.uk

Becky Prestwich (Young People's Projects Leader) 0161 615 6693becky.prestwich@royalexchange.co.uk

Kate Reynolds (Education Administrator) 0161 615 6721kate.reynolds@royalexchange.co.uk

Ben Turner (Community Co-ordinator) 0161 615 6792ben.turner@royalexchange.co.uk

Chris Wright (Education Producer) 0161 615 6715chris.wright@royalexchange.co.uk

CALL BOX OFFICEon 0161 833 9833 OR Group Bookings on 0161 833 0483

They can:

· Book you a place or places on any Exchange Educationworkshops and/or projects that are open to the public

· Book you seats to come and see any of our plays orevents

VISIT OUR WEBSITEat royalexchange.co.uk and click on Education

Here you will find:

· Free resources to accompany many Royal Exchange productions, offering the opportunity to explore behind the scenes, find out more about the production and engage directly with the themes, issues and characters in the play.

· Up to date information about forthcoming workshops and projects

Find Out More

Registered Charity Number 255424

MAJOR SPONSORSCity Inn Manchester Insider Halo Living BruntwoodWilliam Hare Manchester Airport

DONORSMr D AinsworthBeaverbrooks the JewellersBrenda BensonMr & Mrs BradshawMrs A M BrookesGary Buttriss-HoltMr & Mrs C J Chandler Mr P J Craven Mr Peter Cooper P J Duke Mrs V FletcherJack & Maria Goldberg Lady Stephanie JohnsonMr Donald Mather Helen McPhersonShirley MurtaghPannone LLP Stephen PosterRoyal MailSteinberg Family Charitable TrustMrs Zena Traynor Ms J Langley WhiteMrs H Wiles

ADS ArdwickBody Positive North WestBolton and District Model Railway SocietyChristian Alliance HousingCity Centre ProjectCommunity Arts North WestCreative PartnershipsEarly Arts NetworkExodus @ CANGreater Manchester PoliceGuide Bridge Drama GroupInterplay TheatreLandridge HouseLesbian Gay Youth ManchesterManchester Art GalleryManchester CamerataManchester City Council Children's ServicesManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchester UniversityManchester Youth Arts NetworkMy Life Centre Rochdale Connections TrustSalford Drug and Alcohol ForumTameside Ethnic Minority Achievement ServiceThe Booth CentreTopazUrbisValuing Older People

PARTNERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS

PROJECT SUPPORTERSThe Edward Atkin Foundation BiffawardThe Booth CharitiesThe Boshier-Hinton FoundationThe Co-operativeCrabtree North West Charitable TrustD’Oyly Carte Charitable rust Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent FundThe Eventhall Family Charitable Trust HBOS Lex LeasingThe Idlewild Trust John Lewis PartnershipThe John S Cohen FoundationJohn Thaw FoundationManchester Guardian Society Norma Leigh Charitable Trust N Smith Charitable Settlement Old Possum’s Practical Trust PricewaterhouseCoopersRalli SolicitorsThe Scotshill Trust The Steel Charitable Trust The Zochonis Trust

SUPPORTERS