Representatives from shows including Billy Elliot, Shrek, Jersey Boys and War Horse exhibited their education resources to the delegates of this year’s EducationLive at Bloomsbury Baptist Church yesterday.
Around 120 teachers from primary and secondary schools – double last year’s event – attended the evening, which allows teachers to meet with theatre industry professionals and learn about the educational resources provided by London theatres and productions, including workshops and teaching materials.
As well as liaising with exhibitors – which also included the Unicorn theatre, Delfont Mackintosh, the Royal Court, Shakespeare’s Globe, Polka theatre and Digital Theatre – teachers were treated to two half-hour workshops during the evening, focusing on drama and vocal training.
The event is organised annually by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and education charity Mousetrap Theatre Projects. Victoria Aspden, Development Officer at SOLT, and Nancy Shakerley, Programmes Manager at Mousetrap Theatre Projects, commented: “We were thrilled that once again EducationLive proved to be a sell-out success, doubling previous attendance figures to welcome more than 100 enthusiastic teachers from primary and secondary schools across London and the South East. From relaxed networking opportunities with over 25 exhibitors in the EducationLive ‘marketplace’ to participatory workshops, we hope everyone came away excited and inspired by the quality and range of educational opportunities London theatres can offer to school groups.”
In addition to EducationLive, teachers have year-round access to information about educational resources offered by theatres through the accompanying website www.learnaboutlondontheatre.co.uk