We take a look at some theatre shows that every teacher should consider taking their school group to see.
The benefits of live theatre are clear when it comes to education. Not only does a theatre trip allow pupils to become immersed in stories, music, drama and more, but it can build confidence and increase creativity.
The Lion King, staged at the Lyceum Theatre in London is developed by teachers, for teachers, with a programme that is curriculum linked to support subject areas such as English, Drama, PSHE, Art and Design, Citizenship, and Music and can be adapted too. The education programme is available online and can be used to help plan lessons before or after seeing the show and includes student questionnaires and activities.
School of Rock the Musical is the ideal show to get students enthusiastic about theatre and music. If you’ve not seen the show, the story follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who manages to turn a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. With great school rates available and a downloadable education pack which includes character profiles, theatre etiquette tips and activity ideas to be used back in the classroom, School of Rock the Musical should definitely be on your term agenda.
Wicked tells the untold story of the witches from The Wizard of Oz, Glinda the good and Elphaba, the wicked witch of the West. Alongside the musical, which celebrates its 12th birthday this year, runs a variety of workshops, suitable for Key Stage 3 and 4. These sessions can be tailored and can cover subjects such as Musical Theatre, Drama, Dance and Anti-bullying.
Pictured: Wicked workshop.
Matilda The Musical playing at the Cambridge Theatre and also touring the UK currently, is based off the popular children’s novel, Matilda. For before or after a visit, resources are available which help students analyse the story and characters, learning about the plots and themes as well as skills such as rewriting and dialogue. Workshops are available too and will introduce students to key characters and the creative process behind the show.
School groups into Disney can enjoy seeing Aladdin at Prince Edward Theatre in London until next August before it vacates the West End. Education groups of ten or more receive special rates when booking and a series of workshops and resources are available which incorporates English, Dance and PSHE.
Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, the National Theatre’s acclaimed play War Horse is sure to capture the hearts and minds of your students. The production is currently touring the UK & Ireland into 2019, taking audiences on a journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. Teaching resources are available to support the National Curriculum in English, Drama and History and students can enjoy workshops including Page to Stage Events and Puppetry Workshops.
Upcoming shows at G Live in Guildford include Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians, both running from 14th to 16th February 2019. Learn about the Tudors in this educational and fun show, from the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors.
Alternatively, if the Egyptians interest you and your students then prepare to learn about the mishaps they got up to. From the Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. School rates are available for eight or more pupils.
Read the full article here www.schooltravelorganiser.com/magazine.
Lead image: Awful Egyptians by Birmingham Stage Company. Photo by Mark Douet
