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LEARNING OUTLINE

A Short Introduction

The Grand Theatre learning policy invests in the Blackpool communities to develop partnerships in order to build a dedicated and informed audience for the future. For instance, we aim to enable all children in Blackpool and neighbouring localities to come through the doors of the Grand Theatre before they leave school. We provide them with a range of projects and events to enhance the experience of theatre attendance and to offer insights into the working life of this theatre. The Grand Theatre is dedicated to working in all Blackpool communities and across all age groups and socio-economic backgrounds, offering activities for individuals, families, schools, further and higher education students, senior citizens and other groups. We believe that theatre learning is a life-long process. Projects are planned to correspond with as much of the main-stage programme as possible, involving theatregoers who come to see a show. We often schedule workshops led by visiting professional companies.

For instance, a Pantomime Roadshow, It's Behind You was presented in eight Blackpool schools, and free of charge at the Grand Theatre, in 2005. Sponsored by Parkinson Building Contractors and supported by Arts & Business North West, Britain's leading 'Ugly Sisters' - Nigel Ellacott and Peter Robbins - took children on a carpet ride through the land of make-believe known as pantomime.

They brought the tradition of panto to local schools, explaining - in the first act - many of the puzzling questions surrounding the artform. 'Why does a lady play principal boy and why do men play dames?' They also explored the role of the villain and the hero. In the second act, with costumes and make-up removed, Nigel and Peter hosted a lively question and answer session, with photographs taken of some of the children and parents wearing pantomime costumes. The Pantomime Roadshow was taken to schools in November 2005, and proved to be a great learning experience for when the children came to see the big Grand Theatre pantomime at Christmas!

Another example of Grand Theatre outreach was when members of the Bell Shakespeare Company visited Revoe Primary School in March 2006. The production of Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors had travelled to the Grand Theatre from Sydney, Australia. In 2007, we also offered workshops with English National Ballet (Angelina Ballerina), and school visits with such companies as Birmingham Stage Company (Danny The Champion of the World), UK Productions (Disney's Beauty and the Beast) and Bill Kenwrights (Joseph).

Our photograph shows teacher Alan Greenhalgh, actor Blazey Best (who played Adriana in Comedy of Errors), Andrew Howard (Learning - Marketing) and actor Robert Alexander (Egeon) with pupils from Revoe Primary School.Head Teacher Graeme Dow said: "A fantastic example of the Grand Theatre reaching out beyond its walls to inspire the young people of Blackpool. Incredible, inspirational, imaginative cast members made a lasting impact on our staff and children."

Robert Alexander and Blazey Best are Associate Artists of Bell Shakespeare: they explained to pupils that they have both appeared in 'Home and Away' but prefer bringing live performance into schools creating a unique opportunity for students to see professional actors interpret Shakespeare's rich language and timeless characters.

A cornerstone of the Grand Theatre learning policy is our investment from the trustees of the Lawrence House School: in 2005, the Studio was renamed The Lawrence House Studio at the Grand Theatre. This is for a ten-year programme of workshops and outreach activities for young people.

We take pride in this being an inclusive programme, open and accessible to all, regardless of social or economic background, physical or learning disabilities.

Our learning activities could be increased with further funding, especially for small projects of short duration via sponsors' assistance. At present, we do not have a seperate education 'department', but will be working with funding bodies to expand these activities.

Occasional freelance theatre practitioners, from visiting companies, augment the work of our thriving Youth Theatre (the Grand Theatre Academy, run by Director, Paul David-Gough). These practitioners offer a range of workshops, covering audition techniques, improvisation with music, theatre design, puppet theatre making, stage management and lighting design, and acting technique for classical drama.

In 2006, the designation of the Grand as National Theatre of Variety led to the development of an annual showcase for young people, Young at Art, which includes many performers from the deprived neighbourhoods of Blackpool, as well as our key partner Blackpool Circus School.

We foster relationships with corresponding education and learning departments in visiting subsidised companies and collaborate with other theatres, arts and education agencies and theatremakers in the North West to ensure a balanced and comprehensive range of learning and outreach work.

The Grand Theatre’s learning work includes future development of a complementary online archive. Learning at the Grand is lead by Andrew Howard (Marketing - Learning) and The Grand Theatre Honorary Archivists, Linda Tolson and Geoff Tolson who are assisting the Grand in archive it as an academic and historical resource. In time, our extensive archives will be a primary source for the organising of a lecture series and developing links with history societies, lifelong learning, further and higher education.

Using the Grand Theatre at Key Stage 1 & 2

We support teachers, to use the Grand, whether on a tour of an important Blackpool building or as witness to a daytime children or family production.

Using the Grand Theatre at Key Stage 3 & 4

The Grand is a stimulating resource for many subjects, from Art and Design to Physics. Find inspiration for student’s ideas and expand knowledge of visual and theatre culture, past and present.

ANDREW HOWARD
Marketing - Learning

Telephone 01253 290111

Our current Partner schools include:

Mr Rob Harrison - Headteacher
Mrs Debbie Hanlon Catlow - Ast. Headteacher, Director of Arts College, Head of Dance
Bispham High School - Arts College
Bispham Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY2 0NH
www.bisphamhigh.co.uk

Mr Graeme Dow - Headteacher
Anchorsholme Primary School
Eastpines Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire FY5 3RX
www.anchorsholme.co.uk

LEARNING OUTLINE

A Short Introduction

Using the Grand Theatre at Key Stage 1 & 2

Using the Grand Theatre at Key Stage 3 & 4

Our current Partner schools include:

Other links of interest