GROW: Schools
Inspiring young people to work in theatre.
We want to change perceptions of who can work in theatre, the roles available, and the value placed on creative careers.
We particularly want to highlight to young people living in Northumberland and the North East, that it’s possible to pursue a career in theatre right here, in our wonderful region.
We have a number or GROW opportunities for secondary schools including assemblies, workshops and work experience.
GROW: Careers Assembly
Suggested year groups:
Number of pupils:
Length:
7 - 13
Whole year group
20 - 50 mins
What audiences see on stage is just the tip of the iceberg, supported by creative, production, management, and operations teams, who often outnumber the performers!
This careers assembly will highlight how the theatre workforce contains a multitude of skills, from acting and directing to design and construction, from finance and business to social media and hospitality.
At the end of the assembly pupils will better understand the range of career options available, post-16 career pathways, and how they can get involved in theatre in their area.
How long the assembly runs can be flexible to fit in with school timetables.
For assemblies of 40 - 50 minutes in length, pupils will have an opportunity to ask us questions about careers in theatre. We also like to set ourselves the challenge of matching pupils’ hobbies and interests to jobs in theatre; all skills are transferable!
Post assembly, schools will receive a digital ‘handout’ signposting to regional and national opportunities, initiatives and resources.
GROW: Careers Workshop
Suggested year groups:
Number of pupils:
Length:
7 - 11
Whole class
1.5 - 2hrs
Available as a standalone workshop or a follow on from our GROW: Careers Assembly, this interactive careers workshop explores the world of working in theatre, from the production office to the rehearsal room, to the stage and even some unconventional performance spaces...
Working in small groups, students will take on key production roles and put their problem-solving skills to use resolving real-life scenarios. By the end of the workshop they’ll be able to identify key employability skills, and have an awareness of post-16 career pathways.
When delivered as a standalone workshop we’ll include elements from the assembly described above, as a precursor to the workshop activities.
GROW: Creative Workshops
Suggested year groups:
Number of pupils:
Length:
9 - 13
Whole class
1.5 - 2hrs
Led by experienced theatre makers, the following workshops are available to support curriculum delivery across GCSE, A Level and BTEC courses in drama, performing arts, and English language:
- Immersive theatre and site-specific practice
- Devising and making
- Improvisation
In addition to the workshop content, the facilitators will share with pupils some information about that career journey, to highlight pathway options and the diversity of careers in theatre.
GROW: Work Experience
Suggested year groups:
Number of pupils:
Length:
9+
1 - 2
1 - 2 weeks
Work experience at November Club gives students a unique and personal insight into the workings of a professional theatre company, whether we’re in the thick of a production or gearing up for our next.
Students will be involved in a variety of activities, which will vary depending on what stage of production we’re in but could include:
- Shadowing planning, fundraising, creative and production meetings.
- Conducting online research.
- Contributing to social media content creation.
- Attending site visits or rehearsals.
- Supporting November Club events front of house, or backstage.
Students will also spend time with each of our staff members, learning about their roles and career pathways. When we’re in production this will be extended to include members of our freelance creative, production and technical teams.
We’re happy to visit schools and speak to pupils about our company and what to expect from work experience with us, at the point that they’re beginning to identify their options.
If you’d like us to keep you updated about the programme, you can sign up to our GROW mailing list to get direct emails about opportunities.