STEP ProjectsFinancial Times drama champions
 The Financial Times supported a new programme to create a core of drama champions in Southwark schools.
These champions worked with theatre practitioners to harness their creativity and use their new skills and experiences to show how theatre and drama in their school can contribute to the overall school improvement agenda.
Through the programme, STEP built a pool of professionals who understand the role of drama and theatre in education, who will act as advocates for STEP to ensure greater involvement from Southwark schools and will contribute to strengthening theatre education and raising the profile of this valuable work.
Young Critics project
STEP introduced its pilot Young Critics project for the 2006 Festival. We teamed up with professional journalists Carole Woddis and Andrew Haydon to deliver a new project to broaden the range of activities offered through STEP.
The Young Critics project offered a small number of year eight students from The Charter School and Harris Girls Academy East Dulwich the opportunity to become theatre critics during the STEP Festival.
Working with Carole the Young Critics learnt key skills to enable them to go out and analyse the work of Southwark theatres during the Festival. This was a unique opportunity for them to have their say on what they think works well and what they want to see done differently. Our Young Critics then had the opportunity to have their work published in a special publication produced for the project.
The young critics publication is going to print soon. Contact us using the details below if you would like a copy.
"I think that the project will have developed each students 'critical eye' in that they had to actively watch and engage as a member of the audience. I feel sure that this will feed directly into practical drama work."
Emily Mann, drama teacher, Harris Girls Academy East Dulwich
Work experience
Supported by Creative Partnerships and developed following the STEP Festival 2005, the STEP Festival 2006 work experience project was a great success.
Students from six schools worked with NPV Arts and Oval House theatre as part of the production team and learning how to stage a play. Developing skills such as prop making, stage management and sound and lighting operation, the students' experience has been varied and exciting.
Some of the participants working with NPV Arts commented
"It has made me confident and able to work with others."
"I understand that there is a lot more to it than just acting, you have to organise a lot of things."
"It has been really fun and I'm glad I've been given the opportunity. Thanks."
We hope to expand this project to involve even more schools next year.
Contact us
Beccy Allen
STEP Creative Director
Tel: 020 7708 6124
step@theatrepeckham.co.uk
www.step-partnership.co.uk
c/o Theatre Peckham
Havil Street
London
SE5 7SD |