Education Programme

The Orange Tree Theatre has been providing a range of valuable education projects in Richmond and the local boroughs for over 25 years. Like all Orange Tree productions, the schools tours are performed in the round.

Shakespeare Live

Shakespeare Live, for pupils in Year 7-9, was launched this year as a workshop to introduce Shakespeare to pupils who have had little or no experience of Shakespeare's work. Our aim is to bring Shakespeare to life from the page, inspiring students of all abilities to apply the tools learnt in the workshop to the plays they are studying. The project involves a cast of four touring a 90-minute workshop production of a Shakespeare play. The session provides students with a complete introduction to Shakespeare, focusing on his background, language, themes and characters. We encourage pupil participation and encourage students to take on some key roles in the performance. Recent productions have included A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merchant of Venice and King Lear.

This year's production, touring from 7-27 November 2009, is Twelfth Night and is now open for booking.

Spring Shakespeare Tour

Our Spring Shakespeare tour began in 1982 and is our most interactive Shakespeare project. This year we are offering schools a choice of 5 Shakespeare texts: Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet and King Lear. The Education Director leads a 90 minute workshop performance that focuses on key scenes performed by 4 professional actors.

The session serves as an invaluable tool for pupils studying, or about to study, GCSE English and Drama. Interactive activities allow pupils to pick apart characters' thoughts and feelings, Shakespearean rhetorical devices and in depth character work whilst referring to the wider context of the play. The pupils also get the opportunity to act and direct scenes guided by the Education Director and, as a result of this, each workshop is totally unique, driven by some insightful and occasionally unpredictable pupil-led responses.

Primary Shakespeare

‘Primary Shakespeare’ has been an important part of the Orange Tree’s Community and Education work for over 15 years. During the summer term, four actors visit schools to give a two-hour storytelling workshop on a Shakespeare play. Through role-play, improvisation and games, the play’s themes are explored in an accessible and entertaining way. The pupils then come to the Orange Tree Theatre to see an abridged performance of the play by the four actors. Recent productions have included Twelfth Night, The Tempest and Henry IV.

Residency

The Orange Tree regularly holds Residency weeks in the most under-privileged schools in the local boroughs. Two actors visit the schools to hold a workshop on a chosen Shakespeare play. At the end of the week, the schools come together to perform the play. The project aims to build confidence and team member skills, allowing the pupils to work in partnership and participate in creating a piece of theatre, as well as being introduced to Shakespeare in an accessible way.

World War I and World War II Workshop

This 90 minute workshop will cover key aspects of the World Wars with a specific focus on remembrance. Combining text work, poetry and diary entries from first and secondary sources a director and two professional actors will lead the students in an interactive workshop. This workshop is aimed at students, of any age, that are studying History and/or Citizenship.
Dates: This workshop can booked throughout the year.

Living Learning

The Orange Tree Theatre in partnership with Living Learning is pleased to present two new projects for Key Stages 3 and 4. Love Is In The Air offers a lively and interactive look at the history of Mathematics through the medium of theatre, while Just Popping to the Louvre is an action packed, funny, interactive whodunit, ideal for pupils learning French. Living Learning has a growing reputation as a company creating original and exciting enrichment plays that capture the imagination and fire the senses, enthusing students and teachers alike. If you wish to discuss these projects or book a date, please contact Ruth O’Dowd on 020 8940 0141.

Work Experience

The Orange Tree Theatre provides a work experience for young people interested in finding out more about a career in theatre. Most placements are offered during the period of September to June. Placements are usually for 1-2 working weeks.

Applicants from all backgrounds, and with varying level of practical skills and ability are welcome. However, there is a high demand for placements and therefore not all applications will be successful. All placements are subject to an informal interview.

Please send a covering letter and CV to Ruth O'Dowd, Education Officer.