New toolkit launched to help theatres build school audiences

Young people’s access to live theatre has fallen dramatically in recent years with many children now missing out on these experiences altogether.

To help combat the problem, the RSC, National Theatre and Children's Theatre Partnership have joined forces to develop a brand-new Theatre Trip Toolkit aimed at helping theatres, producers and venues of all sizes connect with and build schools audiences.

Funded by Arts Council England and created by Indigo Ltd, the toolkit has been produced in close consultation with theatres, touring companies, educators and arts centres nationwide.

As well as practical advice on how to engage and grow school audiences, the framework offers strategies for removing potential barriers to attendance, and is designed to meet the practical needs of teachers and young people, from logistics to cost and accessibility.

Jacqui O'Hanlon, Deputy Executive Director of the RSC, said:

"For many young people, their first - and sometimes only - visit to the theatre will be through school. These experiences play a vital role in a child’s education, and where they can see themselves and the world around them in new ways.

"For some children, a theatre visit can be life-changing, becoming the catalyst that inspires the artists and creative thinkers of tomorrow. The Theatre Trip Toolkit offers a clear and practical framework to support meaningful engagement with schools, foster long-term audience growth and demonstrate that a theatre visit is a valuable part of a child’s educational life."

The Theatre Trip Toolkit marks the first comprehensive resource designed specifically to grow school audiences and ensure that as many children and young people from all backgrounds have access to enjoy and benefit from live theatre experiences.

DOWNLOAD THE TOOLKIT

New toolkit launched to help theatres build school audiences

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