The Arts Centre is open seven days a week and events are primarily presented during the three 10-week University terms, except for films, which are shown for 52 weeks of the year. At Christmas the Theatre and Studio are used for family shows.
Drama / Performing
Drama / Performing
What is it?
Dramatic performances usually consist of an written text being played out on stage by actresses and actors representing the characters for an audience's enjoyment, and can be combined with both music and dance. It comes in many different genres and styles, and is popular throughout the world; attending the theatre and the cinema are some of the most favoured recreational pursuits of all time.
What does it involve?
There are two sides to dramatic performance - the viewer and the performer! The viewer has a much more passive role, as their purpose is to focus on the entertainers. The onstage performers have a lot more to do; their role involves things such as memorising a script and/or music, learning the correct stage directions and how to perform correctly - but when it all comes together perfectly it makes for great entertainment!
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Having a go at acting can be great for a self confidence boost, and can vastly improve teamwork and communication skills. Students that are particularly shy or have trouble speaking up could benefit greatly from taking some acting lessons - it can help greatly with self esteem. On the other side of things, taking a group to see a play or a musical is a fantastic way to entertain and learn simultaneously, and can often inspire viewers into pursing their own creative endeavors.
What equipment do we need?
Drama is relatively low on equipment needs when you start out, as it's more about self confidence and expression than how fancy the performance looks! Attending a performance will also require very little; not much more than the entrance fee!
Who is it suitable for?
Performing and watching drama is suitable for anyone to have a go at! Since theatre and acting depends entirely on the performer, the level of engagement can vary from just trying it out to starring in a full production!
Costs?
Attending the theatre or cinema can vary from under £5 to over £50 depending on the production - the more famous the people or the play, the more expensive it will be! Dramatic performing taster sessions/courses will also vary a lot in cost between venues, so make sure to check out the details of everything around you!
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Not everyone will feel immediately confident when it comes to drama and performance, so make sure not to pressure those who are clearly a little more reluctant to dive in.
How do we include?
Everybody should be able to get involved in drama and performance in some manner! Those with learning difficulties may find it the hardest, but with the right setting and assistance everybody should be able to have fun with this activity.
Doing it abroad?
Students interested in drama/acting will be fascinated by going to see a foreign performance - every country will have their own cultural influences that change the styles and themes of their drama, and the ensuing production will be an unforgettable experience for anyone from the UK and a chance to understand just how society changes around the world.
Main website:
Check out individual venue websites to see exactly what sort of activities they have on.
Venues with this Activity
The New Vic is Staffordshire's award-winning theatre-in-the-round.
The New Vic delivers a programme of international-class work made with local audiences in mind. And, through an extensive community involvement, is helping to make our community a better, safer and more inspiring place to live and work.
Buckinghamshire County Museum is an award winning County Museum in the attractive old town area of Aylesbury in beautifully restored buildings, some dating from the 15th century.
Take your students on a 70 minute journey through 2000 years of York’s murky history, as our full cast of entertaining theatrical actors bring to life gripping stories of the city's most infamous characters and events - from 71 AD when the Roman's created the City to the infamous highway man Dick Turpin in 1739.
Since opening in 1990, West Yorkshire Playhouse has established a national and international reputation.
We provide both a thriving focal point for the communities of West Yorkshire and theatre of the highest standard for audiences throughout the region and beyond.
Nationally and internationally acclaimed, adventurous theatre across two distinct venues - the Everyman and the Playhouse.
Schools
Activ4 was established in 2002 and is today run by people with a genuine passion for providing students with the best travel experience possible.
Activ4 has gained a deserved reputation for delivering tours worldwide offering excellent value.
Glyndebourne is an English country house, the site of an opera house that, since 1934, has been the venue for the annual summer Glyndebourne Festival Opera.
Make an occasion of visiting Glyndebourne and come for the whole afternoon: you can explore the grounds, visit our Archive and Gallery or have a picnic on the lawn.
The Glyndebourne Gardens and Lake
Bristol Old Vic is a renowned theatrical company based in a restored Georgian theatre with red-and-gold tiers and modern technology. It also boasts one of the most successful and well-respected conservatoire drama schools in the UK.
Schools
Are you thinking about bringing a school group to Bristol Old Vic?
Galina International Study Tours Ltd is a family-owned company that organises educational study tours across a wide range of curriculum areas. It was founded in 1989.
We offer coach-based, curriculum-relevant study tours designed by Tour Consultants, all of whom have experience in teaching and examining.
Actviities include Ski & Snowboarding, Science-Geography-Technology Discovery, TeamWork Sports Tours, and Academy Tours for Performing & Expressive Arts.
Brimming with history, the Theatre Royal Bath is one of the oldest and most beautiful theatres in Britain.
Comprising three auditoria, the Main House, Ustinov Studio and 'the egg' theatre for children and young people, a wonderfully varied programme of top quality entertainment is on offer all year round.
Swansea Grand Theatre has a wide variety of shows and exhibitions for everyone to enjoy.
There are 5 large work areas which enable schools to undertake large scale art projects and dance activities.
Colston Hall is Bristol’s largest concert hall, presenting concerts and entertainment by major names in rock, pop, jazz, folk, world and classical music, stand up comedy and light entertainment, as well as local choirs, orchestras and schools.
Welcome to the finest drama, the brightest West End musicals, the cream of the comedy circuit, award winning ballet and dance, family friendly shows, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, Opera North and Rambert Dance – and (we think) the best Pantomime in the country!
Experience the romance and mystery of Newstead Abbey, home of Lord Byron
A beautiful historic house set in a glorious landscape of gardens and parkland within the heart of Nottinghamshire.
Medieval Newstead
Our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels!
Dearne Valley opened its doors as the new Kingswood centre in 2012. Following a multi-million pound investment programme, Dearne Valley is our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels and an on-site waste recycling plant.
Features
Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as Notre-Dame Cathedral or simply Notre-Dame, is a historic Catholic cathedral on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in the fourth arrondissement of Paris, France.
Step back to the 1770s at poet William Wordsworth’s childhood home
Wordsworth House and Garden, in the Cumbrian town of Cockermouth, is the birthplace and childhood home of romantic poet William and his sister Dorothy.
It is presented as it would have been when they lived here with their parents, three brothers and servants in the 1770s.
Alton Castle is a Catholic Education Centre in rural Staffordshire, just up the road from Alton Towers.
At the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry we create theatre in the belief that it can enrich our communities and fundamentally change peoples’ lives for the better.
Schools
When you come to The Lyceum, we want your visit to be as relaxed and enjoyable as possible, from booking your tickets to the performance itself.
Victorian writers' shrine in Chelsea
Hidden in the quiet back streets of Chelsea is the home of Thomas and Jane Carlyle.
A twist of fate turned Carlyle into a star of the 19th-century literary world. Suddenly this was the place to be.
When you pull the bell to enter you will follow in the footsteps of Dickens, Ruskin, Tennyson and many more.
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Featured Provider
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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