Churchill Theatre Bromley’s Creative Learning annual Take-Over event focused on engagement this year and included a weeklong work experience programme for 18 young people, an immersive theatre, promenade experience, a partnership gig with Arts Train, ‘Live and Unreleased’, a Theatre double-bill and a Well-being Day featuring Danceboxxx.

The Bromley team made a successful bid to the Bromley Business Cultural Fund and received over £9k to support the programme which celebrated creative achievement, community development and partnership working and formed an important part of the venue’s calendar of events.

Figures at a glance:

• Total of 14 individual shows
• Total of 13 workshops/other events
• Audience figures of 674
• Total Participants: 331
• Age range of participants: 4 – 94 years
• ‘First time on stage’ performances taking place:  211
• No. of original new shows developed through Creative Learning: 9
• No. of students taking part in a 1 work experience residency at the theatre: 18

During the work experience element of the week, students took on every conceivable role to help ensure that the Creative Learning programme was delivered to the highest possible standards.

With a range of practical workshops from all theatre departments, the team were launched into an intensive, practical four day experience taking in all the aspects of putting on a show. From lighting designing and sound to being part of the performance in the theatre’s original ‘Behind the Curtain’ promenade.

They also served lunch to volunteers, worked FOH selling programmes, acted as stage crew for Danceboxxx and the Theatre Double Bill, co-ordinated costume and make-up, planned props tables, worked on striking sets and managed performers on and off stage.

This unique week really gave the participants a close up experience of working in the theatre industry.