Wizard Theatre has been at the forefront of educational theatre and drama for over twenty years, working in schools across England.
The Power of Drama
One their most significant achievements in recent years has been to introduce the Power of Drama programme, a unique series of transformative workshops nurturing children who struggle with a variety of issues, including confidence, language and social skills. The project aims to help pupils find their own voice and build their self-esteem, which in turn has a positive effect on both their academic and social life within the school.
“I thoroughly recommend this course. The targeted children began fairly quietly and the aim was to develop their self-confidence through speaking and listening skills and activities. This was certainly achieved and the outcomes were excellent. I was amazed by their end of course presentations and their progress has been carried into the classroom and other areas of school life. We have seen a real improvement in their confidence and achievements.”
David O’Farrell (Headteacher at St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Harrow)
“What a valuable use of our ‘pupil premium’ grant. Children in most need of the course looked forward to each session and were proud of their achievements during the sessions and at the final demonstration in front of their own teachers and me you could see the progress they had made and we were astounded by their dramatisations.”
Mark Betts (Headteacher at St Joseph’s Junior School, Wembley)
“At Sacred Heart we have seen very positive outcomes since the introduction of Wizard Theatre into our school. The impact on pupils’ learning is evident in the progress the pupils have made.”
Susan Morahan (Deputy Headteacher at Sacred Heart Primary School, Ruislip)
The company is passionate about the power of drama in the classroom to improve pupils’ confidence, self-esteem and establish positive relationship with friends and teachers. It is also a powerful tool to help you manage the classroom in a different and engaging way.
As such Wizard has developed a teacher training programme suitable for inset days and twilight sessions, which gives delegates a toolbox of practical drama exercises and techniques that can be used immediately in the classroom.
The workshop includes activities for focus, teamwork, expression, empathy and sequencing as well as non-verbal strategies too. It’s also guaranteed to be the most fun your staff will have in an inset too!
“It was fantastic; I can see how these games/exercises would benefit the children (and staff). It was the perfect ice-breaker for new staff”
St Agnes Primary School, Cricklewood
“What a great INSET! Our staff had so much fun and learnt loads of activities to increase pupil engagement. Thanks Wizards – a great start to the new term, you have really motivated us!”
St Joseph’s Primary School, Chalfont, Herts
“A wonderfully inspiring workshop, thank you so much – thoroughly enjoyed and I feel all the staff benefited from it. Great variety, great encouragement from the trainers and really nicely layered activities”
Uxendon Primary School, Brent
Every year Wizard produces an autumn term show in association with award winning international theatre company Illyria. The production which tours from October to Christmas is a well-known classic with a contemporary twist and a strong social message.
This year they will be presenting “Robin Hood” telling the story of the Evil Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham who tax the people into desperate poverty, till one man decides to fight back – Robin Hood! Wizard Theatre’s troupe of irrepressibly merry men present the most enduring of English legends. Packed full of music, wonderful character and most important of all bundles of fun!
“an incredibly slick show” performed with “polish, precision and professionalism”
British Theatre Guide
“Great storytelling and fantastic acting, thoroughly entertained both adults and children and it was a pleasure working with the Wizard Theatre team”
Jo Jacobs, Theatre Manager, The Leighton Buzzard Theatre
“Superb”
Daily Mail
“Unmissable”
The Scotsman
“Boundless energy and fabulously executed comic scenes”
Sunday Times
“The language blossoms”
Times Educational Supplement
The company also has a range of specially designed workshops surrounding issues of drugs, safety matters, mental health awareness and pupil transition and development all bespoke to specific age groups to ensure suitability of the messages and information being relayed.
This has also included performing to secondary schools across London with the GCSE Syllabus Mark Wheeler play “I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die” commissioned by the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation set up after the tragic death of the teenager. A hard-hitting play followed by a hugely informative workshop about the dangers of buying and taking drugs for recreational use.
We would recommend if you haven’t looked at the range of work Wizard Theatre offers then visit their website www.wizardtheatre.co.uk to see some of the fantastic opportunities the company offers or call us on 0800 583 2373.
