LGBTQIA AND THEATRE WORKSHOPS
‘LGBTQIA+ WORKSHOP’
In this workshop, we explore issues related to sexuality and identity. These include: appropriate terms and language, difference , diversity of opinion, inclusivity, intersection, masculinity and feminism.
The workshops are practical. We have also made theatre and film work on issues such as rural LGBTQIA+. We spearheaded a national project with TORCH at Oxford University creating a film, sound archive and touring show.
‘Play in a Day’
One of our most successful theatre programmes for schools is our ‘Play in a Day’ scheme. Turn of Phrase bring in a team of facilitators to work with a year group to create 10-15 minute show with each class that form a theatrical showing at the end of the day. The topics we have covered as overarching themes for the days have included: Fair Trade, the environment, gender, and Elizabethan theatre.
We can tailor our Play in a Day to a topic you are working on as part of the curriculum.
At The Beacon School we ran a Play in a Day focused around the theme of Fair Trade. Five facilitators worked with groups of 12 students from Year 7 to create a piece of theatre from scratch. Each group were given a different starting point or topic, so that one group looked at chocolate while another group looked at coffee. The groups then had to dramatise their issue. After working intensely together for four and half hours Year 7 presented their shows to the rest of the school in an inspirational and informative show that used music, dance and projections alongside drama.
‘Renaissance Week at Westminster School’
For the last two years Turn of Phrase have run a Renaissance Week at Westminster School for their youngest year group. Using six facilitators over four days we work to create pieces of theatre based on Shakespeare scenes and Elizabethan texts. We use dance, music, and multimedia alongside acting to create exciting theatre pieces.
Our work also combines exploring the Elizabethan history of the texts within the school’s history. At the end of the week, the students perform their scenes for an invited audience and the rest of the school. The week has proved a great success and helped to bond the new students and make them feel a part of their new community. It also helps students that are often very academic to explore their emotional and physical selves and understand the importance of drama and storytelling.
Chekhov ‘The Seagull’
We also lead workshops and theatrical experiences that support A Level Drama and English texts. We have organized a popular series of workshops based on works by Chekhov and Ibsen. We recently worked with the Royal Hospital School to lead an afternoon exploring The Seagull. The students were able to use drama exercises and character studies to help them gain a deeper understanding of the text and its significance. It also helped them to prepare for the exam by providing new insights into the text alongside general revision.
