School Workshops
Spotlight on Shakespeare
Over four hundred years since his death, Shakespeare’s poetry is still being read, performed and listened to all over the world – which says something for its power and beauty.
Workshop Description
This experiential and highly active workshop sees pupils being introduced to a number of drama activities and approaches as we take them right through the play, exploring the backstory, meeting the main characters and bringing key moments to life. Our Shakespeare programmes are all planned and delivered by professional theatre practitioners, and so give pupils a uniquely “actor’s eye view” of the text. We certainly don’t shy away from the verse – and our approaches work with any of the plays!
Exploring (depending on time): the importance of backstories, narrative structure, characterisation, cause and effect, simple stagecraft, the role of verse.
| Year Groups | KS1 – KS4 |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | Shakespeare |
| Pupil Numbers | Up-to 60 pupils per workshop |
| Duration | From 45-minutes to a whole day! |
| Space | Large Classroom or Hall / Drama Space |
Workshop Testimonials
“The workshop was absolutely excellent and surpassed my expectations. The thing that surprised was the breadth of Jo’s experience which resulted in such a rich experience for the children. Thanks so much!”
“Just wanted to feed back that The Tempest workshop yesterday was fantastic and a really good energiser for being something totally different in the schedule (home-learning). Gabriel said it was “just amazing”, he loved it! It has inspired him to ask to look up the original play with me, which is the best endorsement.”
Workshop FAQs
How many pupils can take part?
In secondary schools we suggest sessions lasting no less than 60-minutes (or one school period), meaning most schools can have up-to 5 x workshops per day accommodating up-to 300 students in total.
In primary schools, workshops can last as little as 45-minutes. Paired with an interactive Shakespeare assembly for EYFS and KS1, it is possible to plan a timetable that can accommodate the whole of a two-form entry primary school in just one day!
What is the format of the day?
We will work with you to plan a timetable for the workshops, to suit the number of classes you would like to include – and around the specific timings of your school day.
Are there any technical requirements?
Your visitor will need access to a laptop/ screen/projector set up in the working space.
Which of Shakespeare’s plays can the workshops be based on?
We are happy to work with any of the plays – and equally happy to make our own recommendations, if you’d prefer. You can choose different plays for different classes, too.
Related Workshops
The Poetry of Shakespeare
This engaging activity puts them centre stage by bringing out both the visible and the invisible.
The Play’s The Thing
Our Shakespeare programmes prove popular and successful both nationally and internationally.
Introducing Shakespeare
A fantastic and very energetic way to engage your students in the playwright, his life and works – and prepare them for their studies to come.