Responding, Supporting, Leading
Time for action - advocating equity, equality and social justice
The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis has sent ripples around the world and is making us all think about our words, actions and part within systemic racism.
At National Drama we are advocates of equity, equality and social justice but these can be empty words if we do not take action.
We work in both education and the arts, significant arenas which make real change in the world through impact upon young people, and we need to all engage in the debates around systemic racism and de-colonising the curriculum. Inclusion requires us to look at our daily practices, our words and actions, but also a re-appraisal of the teaching materials that we employ.
Yet, de-colonising the curriculum means much more than simply ensuring we are using a non-white traditional tale in our KS 1 & 2 Drama or working with Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses at GCSE (if we happen to be following that particular exam specification!). The accepted canon of works that we employ needs to be re-appraised in terms of the history that it relates and the meaning it has to all of our students today.
We do need to support Black voices and artists, but we also need to have debates about, and campaign for, curriculum change and on a day-to-day basis consider what equity and education about race means when working with, and assessing, the demographic of the students in our Drama studios and classrooms.
News
Salamander Street announces the publication of six plays by Mark Wheeller
An early pioneer of the verbatim form, Mark’s work has been a staple part of the Drama curriculum both in the UK and abroad for the past three decades.
CPD trainings, discussions and events
The team is now busy creating a schedule of CPD trainings, discussions and events, and wants to hear from you. Tell us what you would like.
Innovate UK announces major investment in Prospero to help schools teach creatively during Covid-19
National Drama is proud to have supported Prospero in this application
So it Goes
So It Goes by On The Run Theatre explores the light and dark sides of grief in a playful and deeply personal show.
CfSA Online Document
This FREE, quick reference, digital directory covers subjects taught in schools.
Welcome to our new patron
Delighted to announce author Alex Wheattle has joined us as a patron
Resources and links to assist with distance learning
Learning Resources
Bitesize Playwriting
Bitesize Playwriting is a new initiative and competition for schools from touring theatre company Tamasha, intended to support secondary school Drama teachers continue to teach their subject during the coronavirus lockdown.
Digital Youth Theatre: 9-25yrs
This summer Prime Theatre are releasing a National Digital Summer Programme offering specialised workshops which run from 15 June through to the end of August.
Kiln Theatre
Kiln Insight is a programme of ways for you to keep in touch, learn more about, and get involved with Kiln Theatre's artistic output. From exclusive interviews, webinars and filmed content, there’s something for everyone.
Vamos Theatre
To help anyone who needs it, we've been working hard to create new resources for teachers, students, mask actors and anyone else interested in mask theatre. These short films show you how mask acting works, and are great fun too!
Blue Elephant Theatre
The Blue Elephant Theatre is turning 21, join them for drama and storytelling workshops, suited to ages 3 - 7.
Theatre Centre
19 of the UK’s most exciting writers have written a collection of stories for the nation, exploring humanity and the unprecedented circumstances we are currently living in. Now it’s over to you to perform and record them.
Frantic Assembly
Frantic Digital is a new resource designed to take you behind the scenes of the Frantic Method; sharing insights into the creative and rehearsal process, practical creative tasks and fun, production related warm ups that can all be safely tried at home.
Drama Resource
David Farmer inspires, motivates and educates teachers about the power of drama to transform learning.
The Old Vic
INTRODUCTION TO DIRECTING Designed for GCSE and A Level students but anyone with an interest in directing is welcome to take part.
Court at home
A DIY, digital celebration of Royal Court plays - think about a line from a Royal Court play that has stuck with you and 'stage' it in your home, showing an activity that is now part of your new normal
Royal Court Theatre
The Royal Court Theatre has partnered with Hamlett Films to remake the GCSE Drama BBC Bitesize films which are now available online,
What does a playwright do?
If you've ever wondered what a Playwright does, what skills you need or how much a Playwright can earn, check out Get into Theatre's blog post to find out more.
In conversation with...
New chat show by voice and performance coach Mitch Jenkins of Sussex Youth Theatre, bringing you interviews with established actors, you can even ask questions on the day, LIVE!
Mental Health Resources
Get into Theatre highlight some companies, charities and websites that offer support around mental health aimed at those working in the theatre and performing arts industry.
The Royal Academy of Dance
Online open days for A Level Dance on Monday 8 June, 7.30pm BST (https://bit.ly/2ZEmLAf) and GCSE Dance on Tuesday 9 June, 7.30pm BST (https://bit.ly/2TudV4a)
The Bigger Room Project
Free Monthly events via Zoom and Facebook featuring Industry Leaders - from the UK and the wider world - giving Masterclasses.
Hull Truck Theatre Education
A programme of great drama and creative activities to keep audiences and communities entertained and inspired whilst we are all at home.
Kneehigh
Join in Kneehigh's creative challenges and visit the Kneehigh Cookbook to get a sneaky peak at how their shows are made.
N-Act theatre
Southend based, not-for-profit theatre company, who create interactive performances for schools to engage young people in theatre. www.n-acttheatre.co.uk
Fourth Wall: Playwrights in Lockdown
Dan Rebellato has set up a series of interviews via Zoom with British playwrights to talk about their art, their craft, and their plays. There's plenty here for anyone who wants to understand these writers better or is looking for inspiration on how to write a play.
Mark Wheeller
Enjoy short videos from Mark Wheeller about his plays. A must for drama teachers and students.
Devising in 90 minutes
Inspired by Frantic Assembly, this lesson was created by Joanna C Fellows.
Youth Response to Globalization in Changing Times
Online webinar by Pretzel Theatre Collective on Thursday 28 May at 1:30pm (UK) for all drama teachers interested in engaging internationally. Click to register.
'Rediscovering Alice' - suitable for KS2+
Playscript by David Lawson Lean. Trialled in school since lockdown, it is possible to work with this creatively and safely. Lesson ideas provided also.
Prospero Digital
Prospero Digital – an online platform that enables you to plan, author and share creative interactive learning resources.
Scheme of Learning by Ryan Coates
Inspired by the work of John O'Toole (Dramawise). Students will learn about the fundamental dramatic elements required for any performance.
Burts Drama
Burts Drama for online learning – lots of accessible ideas for lessons.
Theatre Resources for Isolation
Theatre Resources for Isolation – lots of links to online resources complied by Ollie Jones from University of York.
Play-a-Part
Play A-Part – games, vocal exercises, improvs, tongue twisters, especially for playing apart, whilst in the same space.
Digital Youth Theatre: 9-25yrs
This summer Prime Theatre are releasing a National Digital Summer Programme offering specialised workshops which run from 15 June through to the end of August.
Performances
Wizard Presents
Wizard Presents, set up by John and Danyah Miller create inspiring and compelling theatre shows and musicals for all ages.
Lockdown Theatre Festival
The Lockdown Theatre Festival was set up by Actor Bertie Carvel as a response to the coronavirus crisis.
The Unicorn Online
A new digital theatre project for young audiences during the building’s closure. Launching with Anansi the Spider Re-spun and streamed in partnership with The Guardian.
The Old Vic
A selection of full length Old Vic archive recordings of selected productions will be hosted for free on The Old Vic’s YouTube channel.
Pentabus
Recordings are released weekly on a Friday at 2pm for anyone to access.
Nick Hern Books
NHB are now inviting applications to license Nick Hern Books plays for amateur online performance. With theatres currently closed, an online performance is the perfect way to bring your members or students together to keep sharing your passion.
Essentials by John Godber
A wry, new, six part radio drama which takes place over breakfast in the kitchen of a Yorkshire family. Tension, comedy, and burnt toast whilst they wrestle with the realities of Lockdown UK.
Splendid Productions
Splendid Productions extends access to its collection of filmed performances available to stream online at vimeo.com. FREE to those who bought DVDS. Other offers available.
Keep Theatre Alive
A collection of links to fabulous live theatre experiences, compiled by Liz Segal. PLEASE vet for age appropriateness.
Globe Player
FREE content from MyGlobePlayer
National Theatre
The new National Theatre Collection presents high quality recordings of world-class productions, giving you the best seats in the house whenever you want.
Rep Reloaded
The REP has a national reputation for its innovative engagement projects, including city-wide Youth Theatre groups and creative learning in schools. Now, with the theatre temporarily closed, they are offering their trailblazing services online.
Video
If Not Now Then When? A project about children’s rights.
A three-month visual theatre project with year 5 at Keys Meadow primary school inspired by the book ‘A Sailing Boat in the Sky’ by Quentin Blake.
MADE IN INDIA: web stream - 16 - 30 June
The thrilling play about birth and motherhood in a brave new world that captivated UK audiences in 2017. You can watch Made In India at 7:30pm from Tuesday 16 June until Tuesday 30 June 2020.
Drama Matters
Why does Drama Matter? Watch this video to see and hear the critical importance of drama education in the curriculum.
Company Three
The Coronavirus Time Capsule is a new project by Company Three. Every week we - and more than a hundred groups of teenagers across the world - create new videos giving an insight into young people’s experience of lockdown.
Aftermath, written by Gill Horitz and Tony Horitz
A State of Play Arts and ScreenPLAY co-production for the Priest’s House Museum in Wimborne, funded by the Heritage Lottery. It premieres online on Monday May 25th at 7pm on YouTube.
Blood Brothers
High School Production by Theatre Ink
Directed by Kelsey Fox and Juliet Roll
Life is Drama
Enjoy the inspirational Dorothy Heathcote
(2009 - New York University)
Pilot Connects
Q&A with Author Alex Wheatle, hosted by Esther Richardson
The Vulture's Song
Full video of The Vulture’s Song by Mike Kenny and Blah Blah Blah
Girls Like That
A Synergy Theatre Project/ Unicorn Theatre production. (age 13+)
Student Creativity in Lockdown
What if? A Lockdown Poem
A wonderfully creative rainbow coloured poem reflecting on life. The talented writer is Lucia, aged 9¾. Millennium Integrated School, Belfast
Mission Riverside
This comedy duologue sees fish planning a take-over in the war against bread-theft. Would work beautifully as a short radio play. Well done Jack, Y7, Royal Alexandra and Albert School.
CAPA
CAPA students have been creating a virtual time capsule, in partnership with Company_three. This is an exciting week-by-week record of the students' responses to the pandemic.
Gandalf the Wizard
Y7 pupil, Will, demonstrated his Scratch skills in response to a task set by the Mousetrap Theatre Projects #EveryHomeATheatre - Royal Alexandra and Albert School, Surrey
Royal Alexandra & Albert School
Videos from drama students at the Royal Alexandra & Albert School in Reigate, Surrey