 |
|||||
|
|
We also deliver projects that respond to a direct need or specific issue in a local area, including working on topical problems such as gun and knife crime or gangs. For instance, we recently delivered a project designed to address young people’s fears of anti-social behaviour from local gangs, working with young people living within a two mile radius of St Michael’s Community Centre. Young people living in this area face severe economic deprivation, as 58% of the families in this area are dependent on state benefits as their main form of income (Indices of Deprivation 2004). 36 young people took part in this project, creating, writing and performing an entirely original show which was then performed to a sold out audience of family and friends at Hoxton Hall. Many of the young people taking part in this project had not taken part in a performing arts project before and were extremely excited with the process and end result. Post project evaluations also showed that participants felt their confidence concerning local gangs and intimidating behaviour had significantly developed, with 69% stating that their confidence had grown and 78% stating that their positive feelings about their neighbourhood had increased as direct result of the project. Projects in schools We also deliver issue based drama workshops in schools, responding to specific requests or topical issues. For instance, in autumn 2007, we delivered a schools programme to celebrate Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade. Each day consisted of two facilitators teaching participants about the facts of slavery and the legacy, issues and positive influences of African-Caribbean culture that are with us today, then creating a small performance at the end of the day to share the learning with the rest of the school. The project enabled 385 children to participate directly and 2,500 people to attend the final performances as audience members. Feedback from teachers and participants included: ‘I thought that was a fantastic day you delivered – pitched really well for the students and just the right balance of education, sensitivity to the subject and fun. Well done.’ (Head of Year, Ainslie Wood Primary) ‘That was just like a Year 6 end of year performance – and those normally take 6 weeks to rehearse! We’ll definitely have you back.’ (Head Teacher, Newport School). ‘I was impressed at how much they seemed to take in – both their posters and their conversations at break time showed how much attention they were paying.’ (Teacher, Yr 5 Mayville School) ‘That was a brilliant day –much better than normal Tuesdays!’ (Yr 6 student)
|
|
|||
|
© Icon Theatre 2009 Icon Theatre is a Registered Charity no 1097311 |
||||
