Inspiring the next generation of primary school pupils and teachers.
The Children’s Shakespeare Festival is a major project established by North West Drama Services Ltd to increase understanding and enjoyment of Shakespeare, while building skills and confidence in primary teachers’ use of Drama.
“This experience has affected me in so many ways and has given all of us so much confidence. It has bought me closer to my friends as we all supported each other. A dream come true!”
The Royal Exchange Theatre has committed to work in partnership to deliver festivals each year and give the incredible opportunity of performing on our stage, which we hope is an experience that will live with them forever. This work is important to us as it is the foundation of our current work with primary school children.
“The performance changed me because I used to be shy, but now I am not afraid. Whenever I meet a new challenge now I will face it head on because I know I can do anything!”
The Children’s Shakespeare Festival aims to inspire excitement in Shakespeare’s plays and encourage the use of educational drama as a tool for deep and active learning. It comprises a range of projects which combine cross-curricular classroom activity with performance by children in professional theatre spaces.
“I was so surprised on the day of the performance as it felt like there was 10 000 eyes watching us! I have developed my drama skills so much, but this has also helped me with my writing which has really improved. Everyone is proud of me.”
Every year we welcome hundreds of primary school children, along with their teachers and families from 15 schools across Greater Manchester. For many this will be their first experience of theatre. Each festival builds towards a technical rehearsal day, followed by a performance day, where participants share their work with family and friends.
“I will always remember looking up and seeing my step mum and dad watching me sing and dance. I was so proud. This has been the biggest thing in my entire life so far and I have learnt so much. It was worth all of the hard work and effort.”
John Doona was the founder and artistic director of North West Drama and created the annual Children’s Shakespeare Festivals. John sadly passed away in September 2014, following a long illness. North West Drama drew from this a renewed sense of purpose; a willingly accepted responsibility to preserve and develop his legacy. The Royal Exchange Theatre has marked John’s passing and the incredible legacy that he leaves with a floor plaque that sits proudly outside Door 2 of the Module.
“John Doona has done so much for children around Manchester. He has given then confidence, friendships, opportunity and so much more. Thank you to everyone involved as it has been amazing.”
The Royal Exchange Theatre delivers the Children’s Shakespeare Festival in partnership with North West Drama Services. Or to find out more go to Children’s Shakespeare Festivals | North West Drama (northwestdramaservices.co.uk)
All comments from St John’s Primary School.
