Drama education is under threat. Whether you work in schools or in a theatre participation department it has become harder and harder to bring experiences of this valuable and powerful art form to the widest possible number of young people, as government initiatives and funding problems wear away the possible opportunities.
Drama teachers and educators need to band together to support each other, to fight the cause of Drama and share ideas and experiences to create a richer, stronger community for all of us working within the art form with young people.
So it seems the perfect time to launch a new networking group to try to bring all Drama practitioners together.
OPEN DRAMA intends to be a forum for all people working in Drama with young people; whether you work with primary schools, in a theatre, in a secondary school you are part of the OPEN DRAMA network.
We’re a new voice for Drama education, inclusive of all sectors, and we want to build a stronger, more committed drama network across the UK collaborating with all Drama organisations who want to work with us.
Why do we need such a group? Big organisations need to listen to teachers; people who actually deliver to young people and actually know what’s needed. These people are often solo practitioners in their institutions struggling to provide positive experiences in the face of challenges. By banding together we can speak and be heard. There are few opportunities for practitioners to meet and to share good practice and CPD. OPEN DRAMA is going to work with and for Drama educators on these areas.
OPEN DRAMA has been set up by a number of well-known names in the world of Drama education – Holly Baradell, Edward Boott (artistic director, Nonsuch Studios), Karen Latto, Catherine Nash and Ali Warren.
OPEN DRAMA is starting its development with a series of network events spanning the country from Bath to Leeds, from Birmingham to Turnbridge Wells over the week beginning Saturday 18th May 2019.
All Drama educators are welcome.