An Informative Theatre Performance to Inspire Change
Sharon Reynolds | Head of Drama
It’s Getting Hot in Here was a unique project between the Drama Department and Slingsby Theatre Company. The proposed project was a curriculum-based Theatre in Education performance about sustainability made possible through the Neil Smart Environmental Education Fund. Theatre in Education is a form of theatre, which seeks to change attitudes, knowledge and behaviour through performance. The funds allowed us to engage Slingsby as Artists in Residence with the Year 9 Drama classes. Slingsby was a logical choice as they have a clear direction on climate action in their theatre and touring practice.
The theme of the project was to explore the environment and sustainability and investigate areas such as the current climate crisis, consumerism, and the lifespan of objects. During the 12-week process, the students researched and discussed environmental issues equipping them with the necessary knowledge to create an informative theatre performance to inspire change and action in themselves and the students in the audience.
Students took on roles as performers and creators, including designing the technical aspects of the piece. They learnt about Slingsby’s theatre techniques including shadow puppetry, narration, highly inventive theatrical languages and world-building. Importantly, they had the opportunity to learn how to make their own theatre practice sustainable by considering and planning a production, which has minimal impact on the school’s resources and environment in general. The project was a success in learning outcomes for the boys and educating the audience about climate change.
This project was made possible through the Neil Smart Environmental Education Fund, which was generously established by a bequest from the late Neil Smart (PAC 1930) to enable staff and students to undertake special projects in the area of environmental education.
