8th September is International Actor’s Day, and to mark the occasion, STO has pulled together some ideas for Key Stage 3 and 4 Drama trips in the UK and abroad.
Here are five places to take an extended school trip that offer theatre-specific workshops and activities to support Drama education, from New York to London.
1. West End wonders
Groups of up to 44 pupils can enjoy a four-day Performing Arts Trip to London, organised by STA Travel.
The trip includes a drive around the West End and a Theatreland walking tour, a performance of a West End show and a visit to the Globe Theatre to see a show there, too.
The school group will also take three West End workshops, in acting and in set design, plus there will be visits to the Royal National Theatre and the V&A to see the Theatre Collection there.
2. Parisian theatre at Disneyland
Paris has a number of options when it comes to educational visits linking to Drama, but perhaps there are none more popular with children as those at Disneyland Paris.
Education trip company NST offers a two-night long school trip to Disneyland, available to book year-round. The trip includes a Disney Performing Arts OnStage experience; a Performing Arts Workshop; and a Parisian theatre show.
Pictured: Disneyland Paris.
Two nights’ B&B accommodation, and a two-day Disney Hopper ticket for each student, plus executive coach transport throughout the trip are also included.
3. Shakespeare in Stratford
WST Travel offers a two night stay in Stratford that focuses on all things Shakespeare-related for Secondary schools. Day one includes a Carpe Diem Shakespeare workshop followed by watching a Royal Shakespeare Company performance (depending on what’s on at the time of booking).
The RSC provides workshops that explore the creative choices behind the current RSC Shakespeare productions, as well as the teacher’s choice of Shakespeare play.
Day two encompasses a backstage tour of the RSC Theatre and a walking tour of Shakespeare’s houses to learn a little about the history of the famous playwright.
4. Drama in Lake Garda
Equity School Travel offers a four-night tour to Lake Garda in Italy, for up to 44 students per group.
The trip – which can be tailor-made to suit requirements – includes a visit to Venice to take part in a mask-decorating workshop; and a trip to Verona. This city is famous for being the backdrop to Romeo and Juliet, and it’s also home to an ancient arena that still shows opera in the summer months.
Pictured: Verona.
Further highlights include a number of Drama workshops. Students will learn about the range and application of body movement; apply vocal and breath-control skills; develop voice; and use improvisation and characterisation in a performance.
5. Welcome to New York
Teachers who want to take their students further afield can opt for a Performing Arts, Drama & Theatre Trip to New York with European Study Tours.
Trips can be tailor-made, but an example of a five day itinerary includes a number of theatre workshops, visits to New York’s most famous landmarks, and a show on Broadway.
Further highlights of this school trip include a guided walking tour of the theatre district, and a Broadway Classroom Workshop. This educational session is designed to introduce basic theatre skills through physical and vocal warm-ups, listening exercises and theatre games.
