Project Description
The Theatre Experience
NK Theatre Arts stage a wide variety of exciting productions and performances throughout the year – from plays, to pantomimes, to cabaret shows to full scale all singing, all dancing musicals! This takes a lot of hard work and dedication from a massive team of people – from Directing, to Choreography, to Technical Support, Set Building, Front of House personnel, Marketing, Social Media Campaigns, Backstage Support, Stage Management and much more!
Our Theatre Experience Days give you a little bit of insight into this process, alongside the people who make it happen!
What Is a Theatre Experience Day?
The day starts with an introduction from the team and a welcome to the theatre. The students will then break out into groups and take part in exciting and interactive workshop sessions, of 30 minutes in length, which look at different aspects of theatre production. Students can ask questions, take notes, take photos and will also participate in practical activities. The groups rotate around the sessions until they have visited all the areas before coming together again for a final goodbye from the team.
An Example of the Structure of Your Visit
9:30 – Arrival and Welcome
9:45 – 10:15 – Session 1
10:20 – 10:50 – Session 2
10:55 – 11:25 – Session 3
11:30 – 12:00 – Session 4
12:05 – 12.35pm – Session 5
12:40 – 13:00 – Thank You’s and Departure.
Session 1: Drama & Direction
The students will take place in a series of quick fire drama activities looking at various elements. Including; Freeze Frames, Improvisation, Mime, Characterisation and more. They will then be given a short extract of a script and be able to work through the process of directing the scene. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions to one of NKTA’s resident directors about how to devise a production and what it takes to become a director.
Session 2: Dance & Choreography
The students will participate in a short dance based warm up. They will then be taught a series of moves by NKTA’s resident choreographers. They will work together to create their own routines using the steps they have been given and they will add their own creative flair! Students will have the opportunity to ask questions about the training needed and the skills you use as a show choreographer and a dance teacher.
Session 3: Costume, Props & Set
In our very own creative department, students will be able to learn more about how costumes are made, how they are worn and how costumes can bring a performance to life. They will be able to look at various set pieces and props seeing how they are made and how they work.
Session 4: Technical Support & Stage Management
In our Theatre space, the students will be able to access the behind the scenes tech box and backstage, areas, to explore technical aspects such as Sound, Lighting and Stage Management as well as trying their hand at set moving as would happen during a show.
Session 5: Business and Marketing
The students will have a presentation from NK’s business and marketing team and will then be encouraged to plan their own marketing campaign, including designing artwork for a poster for an upcoming NK show, this artwork may even be used in our future campaigns!
What Teachers Are Saying
The Theatre Experience day is absolutely fantastic.
What Can the Students Gain from This?
In taking part in this experience the students will gain a better knowledge and understanding of various elements of a working theatre! Including the on-stage work of performance, alongside the important behind the scenes elements such as lighting, sound and costume. For some students it is simply a really good day out, for others it might be their first-time stepping foot into a theatre and for some it may actually unearth hidden talents or interests away from the academic world! Not only is this a theatre visit, but we encourage speaking and listening skills, creativity and confidence whilst encouraging participation and working as a team.
How To Make A Booking
to make an enquiry or to book a Theatre Experience visit for your students please contact our Head of Outreach, Dawn Wrigley via the details below.
dawn@nkta.co.uk 0161 430 6570 ext. 202
