Whether a show is coming to your school or you’re taking your class to the theatre, a short activity can help pupils know what to expect and give them something to talk about afterwards. Try one of these ideas in your next lesson.
Before the show
- Make a prediction. Show pupils the poster or read a short synopsis. Ask them what kind of story they expect and which clues helped them decide.
- Give them something to look out for. Ask younger pupils how they can tell what a character is feeling. Ask older pupils to notice how lighting, sound or movement changes the mood of a scene.
After the show
- Freeze the scene. In small groups, ask pupils to recreate a memorable moment as a still image. Let the rest of the class guess what’s happening and explain what gave it away.
- Review the performance. Ask pupils to choose one moment they remember, describe how the performers created it and explain why it stayed with them. They can share their review aloud, write it or illustrate it.
If you’re looking for a script extract, a visual guide or activities linked to a particular show, ask the theatre or touring company whether it has a teacher pack. For help organising the visit itself, see our guides on Bringing a Theatre Show to Your School and Planning a School Theatre Trip.