Theatre, Education, Community Learning Partnerships The School of English, University of Sheffield

Acting Together Volunteer Programme Founded in 2002, Acting Together is the university’s Theatre in Education programme. Based in the School of English, it has provided a range of programmes in collaboration with local schools. From a Big Brother Macbeth to the Respect workshops on violence: from tours of Shakespeare to programmes on literacy and oracy. The students are volunteers who offer their energy and creativity in return for the chance to learn new skills and make contribution to the education of local children. 2

The Viking Project 2003 Performing for Eric the Vicious How not to behave! 3

The Viking Project 2003 Eric the Vicious wonders what the problem is with his behaviour……. 4

Getting ready to act 5 Participatory games and theatre exercises are an important part of the workshop process

What the children say…….. ‘I thoroughly enjoyed our experience with the students, and I feel like I have gained a lot of fresh knowledge of different aspects of drama and the stage. I hope to see them all again soon as I feel I have made some friends too!’ Shelley, Chaucer School 6

What the children say…….. ‘Thank you for letting us come to the drama studio...it was brilliant and I hope we can come again. The best bit was when we had to decide whether to give the people money or not. If I was in the Flood I would hate it….the rat catcher shouldn’t have even got a penny..she was evil..and she didn’t catch any rats!’ Matthew, Hillsborough Junior School 7

What the children say…….. ‘I think the characters from the university were really good. I enjoyed asking questions and making decisions.’ Sharon, Parson Cross Junior School 8

Big Brother Macbeth, 2004 Preparing Macbeth’s clan Davina: ‘Banquo, you have been evicted, and I’m coming to get you!’ 9 Davina: ‘Banquo, you have been evicted, and I’m coming to get you

A musical version of the Great Sheffield Flood created for year olds as part of a school project on Water. 10 The Sheffield Flood Opera, 2006

Students in the School of English can also take a module in theatre in education, carrying out programmes as part of research - led learning. 11 LIT 216 Acting Together

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2006 A touring adaptation of Shakespeare’s text for junior age children. The show was followed by workshops exploring themes from the play. 12

A Christmas Carol, 2005 Adaptation of the Charles Dickens's classic, performed at the Theatre Workshop as part of a programme on narrative. 13

The Word Pirates, 2007 A programme for 7-8 year olds, devised as a contribution to curriculum work on oracy and literacy. 14

The Word Pirates 2007 Writing a group poem Improvising a new scene in the play 15

What Teachers Say……. “The show was excellent. The children loved it. The content was at the right level and it held their attention throughout. We had great discussions afterwards. The students who came had an excellent manner with the children. Students bring energy and enthusiasm to the school.” Sharon Morton, Southey Green Junior School 16

What Teachers Say……. “Your choice of subject matter and structure of the drama experience was brilliant. It was easily accessible for the children and as a consequence their participation was enthusiastic providing a quality experience for all of them.” Julie Burkinshaw, Hillsborough Junior School 17

Sean, the Fool, the Devil and the Cat, 2008 A story-telling show with workshops based on Ted Hughes’ plays for children 18

What the Student Volunteers say… ‘Acting Together combined theatre work and working with children wonderfully..this kind of work was both challenging and enriching.’ Amy (now a junior school teacher) 19

What the Student Volunteers say… ‘One of my best university experiences – definitely!’ Nicola (now a teacher) ‘Acting Together was a great experience, particularly as a first year, because it increased my confidence in myself and my ability to work and get on with new people.’ Sian 20

National Recognition 21 In 2004, Acting Together received the top national award for ‘Exceptional Achievement in Student Volunteering’ at the Higher Education Active Community Fund awards

New Partnership 2009 ‘A Picture of Us’ In autumn 2009 level three English and Theatre students will take part in a research project with Sheffield Museums, funded by the Knowledge Exchange programme. They will work with Museum staff and children in the Firth Park community to produce a performance piece in the Graves Arts gallery. The project is part of the Tate Modern’s Great British Art Debate. 22

For further information about these projects, please contact: Dr Bill McDonnell The School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics Jessop West University of Sheffield S3 7RA