CREATIVE LEARNING UPDATE
Here’s your Creative Learning November Update!
Careers Fairs
The Creative Learning team from Wycombe Swan visited Bucks College and Highcrest Academy to talk about Work Experience, volunteering and other arts education opportunities at the Swan with their SEND and ESOL groups.
Southend’s Creative Learning Manager and Venue Marketing Executive spent a day at Belfair’s Academy Careers Day, meeting Year’s 7 to 13, and our two members of the backstage team visited South Essex College for their annual Freshers Fayre, sharing information and resources on career paths and opportunities to get involved in the theatre industry.
Halloween
Spooktacular happenings were in full flow during October half term at Wycombe, Guildford, Hastings, Crewe and Southend with workshops, storytelling, crafts and much more happening in and around the venues and attended by hundreds of young people and their families!
Hastings 
Hastings 
Crewe
Wycombe 
Southend
Backstage Tours
Wycombe Swan ran a backstage tour and drama workshop for a local SEND school’s Performing Arts department. The venue team had a great time talking all things access with them, and answering questions. Everyone was very excited about standing on the stage!
Crewe Lyceum Theatre welcomed Brierley Primary School for a Drama Workshop exploring Crewe’s Heritage and a Backstage Tour of the theatre.
They received lovely feedback from the school who said; ‘We all thought that the day was fantastic. The children really enjoyed the drama workshop and the tour. We’ve been writing about our visit, and they’ve remembered so many facts that you shared. They loved the warm up games too and have asked if they can play them again in school.’
The Lyceum love having schools come into their venue for a tour, which is continuing to develop, as they expand their school network.
Hastings
- As well as hosting Hastings Story Telling Festival in the venue, the White Rock Theatre Creative Learning team and some participants were in attendance for the festival’s Day by the Sea where SYP & Youth Theatre tutor Ben Watson wowed audiences with a one-man interactive storytelling of his new play “Mind The Monsters”.
- Hastings Bonfire Night: Creative Learning Manager, Laura Bateman, took to the streets as Hastings Old Town Crier, for their annual Bonfire Night. Spreading the White Rock community cheer far and wide…and LOUD!
- Distant Voices: The White Rock Theatre partnered with local organisation ‘Distant Voices’ for a free week-long TV and Film Production course.
Distant Voices Group is a diversity-focused production company dedicated to promoting inclusion in the film and TV industry, providing opportunities for under-represented individuals.
Leading industry experts, including BAFTA winner Trix Worrell (writer and director) facilitated the course. Trix boasts a successful transatlantic film career, working with Denzel Washington, Whoopi Goldberg, and Ridley Scott, among others.
Participants also worked closely with Celia Taylor, Head of Un-scripted at Sky and collaborator with Sir David Attenborough. They also learned from Sean Worrell, a 20-year award-winning Digital Media Executive.
25 attendees, aged 16 to 50+, gained valuable insights into creating short films, from storyboarding to filming and editing. The Council members viewed the final films in a concluding session.
Participants left with enhanced industry knowledge and crucial support and encouragement from passionate professionals advocating for inclusivity in film and television careers.
Award Winning!
Crewe Lyceum’s Senior Youth Theatre won a safeguarding and dignity award under the category ‘Making a Difference’ from Cheshire East Council. They were nominated by a journalist from Nantwich News who wrote a piece about their last performance of ‘The Invisible’ which the group created to highlight young people’s mental health struggles.
The team are all so proud of our youth theatre team and are looking forward to celebrating the achievement at an awards ceremony at the end of November.
World Mental Health Day
Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion was lit up green for World Mental Health Day and the team were out and about raising awareness for the day.
The Churchill Theatre Bromley welcomed Wild Science who hosted a special staff session at in the venue, featuring mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates.
Over 20 staff members engaged with a variety of animals, experiencing their therapeutic benefits. Animal Therapy, supported by scientific studies, enhances motor skills, joint movement, self-esteem, communication, and social engagement. It also mitigates depression, loneliness, boredom, and anxiety. Different animals offer diverse textures and personalities; even simple interactions like stroking are beneficial for all ages.
Ross led the 45-minute session, introducing each animal and facilitating hands-on learning.
Featured animals included Banana (baby python), Dave (African Millipede), Crackle (Guinea Pig), Noddy (Bearded Dragon), Smartie (Leopard Gecko), Sammy (Giant African Snail), and a 20-year-old Tarantula preserved in resin.
CREATIVE LEARNING ANNUAL REPORT
Creative Learning are delighted to be able to share with you their very first Annual Report! You can view a digital version of the report by clicking on the below link:
