Schools
We want to change perceptions of who can work in theatre.
We work with young people and schools in the North East to show that it’s possible to pursue a career in theatre in our region.
We offer assemblies, workshops and work experience designed to inform, inspire, and support schools to achieve Gatsby Benchmarks 5/6. Our activities are free and available throughout the academic year.
KS2 Careers Workshop
Suggested year groups:
Number of pupils:
Length:
3 - 6
Whole class
45 minutes
This interactive workshop highlights to children that there are many people involved in making theatre that you don’t see when you go to see a show.
The workshop utilises engaging film alongside individual and small group activities, and provides opportunities for children to contribute their personal experiences and ideas. By the end of the workshop pupils will be able to:
Name different types of theatre
Name different jobs in theatre
Put in chronological order the different tasks needed to create a piece of theatre
This activity is best delivered in a classroom setting with access to a smart board. We’re able to schedule multiple workshops per visit to accommodate schools with two form intake, and work with multiple year groups.
KS3/4 Careers Assembly
Suggested year groups:
Number of pupils:
Length:
7 - 13
Whole year group
20 - 40 mins
What we see on stage is the tip of an iceberg, with productions supported by creative, production, and operations teams.
This careers assembly will highlight how the theatre workforce contains a multitude of skills, from creative roles to construction, finance and even social media.
At the end of the assembly pupils will better understand the range of career options available, post-16 career pathways, and how they can get involved in their area.
Running times can be flexible to fit in with school timetables.
For assemblies of 40 minutes, pupils will have an opportunity to ask us questions about careers in theatre and find out how their skills and interest might be applied in the creative industries.
Teachers will receive a digital ‘handout’ signposting to regional and national opportunities, initiatives and resources.
KS3 Careers Workshop
Suggested year groups:
Number of pupils:
Length:
7 - 9
Whole class
1 - 1.5 hrs
Available as a standalone workshop or a follow on from our Careers Assembly, this interactive workshop explores the world of working in theatre.
Students will complete our ‘Discover Your Inner Theatre Maker’ quiz to create Production, Marketing & Management and Creative teams. In these teams, students will learn about the key roles of Production Manager, Producer and Set Designer and how they contribute to creating a theatrical performance.
By the end of the workshop will have identified the key employability skills and knowledge required for each role, and have an awareness of post-16 career pathways.
Work Experience
Suggested year groups:
Number of pupils:
Length:
10+
1 - 2
Up to 1 week
Work experience at Novo Theatre gives students a unique and personal insight into the workings of a theatre company, whether we’re in the thick of a production or gearing up for our next.
Students are involved in a variety of activities depending on where we are in a production cycle. They include:
- Shadowing planning, fundraising, creative and production meetings.
- Conducting online research.
- Contributing to social media content creation.
- Attending site visits or rehearsals.
- Supporting Novo Theatre events front of house, or backstage.
Students will also spend time with our staff and freelance team, learning about their roles and career pathways.
We can visit schools and speak to pupils about what to expect from work experience with us, as they start to consider their options.
“Working closely with Novo Theatre has provided our students with an opportunity to explore career pathways in the creative sector with a particular focus on theatre. Being a company situated very close to school has helped to break down barriers that students may have had about careers in this sector being mainly found in large cities. As a result, this has increased the confidence of our students to consider this as a viable career pathway.”
Danielle Towers Head of Sixth Form & Careers Duke’s Secondary School, Ashington
If you’d like us to keep you updated about the programme, you can sign up to our mailing list to get direct emails about opportunities.