Theatre Works: Stepping into stories

Amid the myriad of challenges we combat in the arts, why should we prioritise supporting theatre experiences for children? This question, posed by sceptics, prompts a poignant reflection on the transformative power of the arts, particularly within marginalised communities.

Theatre Works, a charity passionately committed to this cause, believes in the profound impact of theatre on young minds. While some may question the allocation of resources to such endeavours, Theatre Works staunchly asserts that exposure to the arts is not merely a luxury but a fundamental right, especially for those who may not otherwise have access.

For many disadvantaged children, the opportunity to attend professional theatre events remains elusive. Yet, the benefits of such exposure are immeasurable. Numerous studies underscore the pivotal role of the arts in shaping a child's worldview, enhancing social acceptance and fostering academic motivation.

The findings

A seminal study conducted by the Brookings Institute, involving 10,000 students in Texas, yielded compelling findings. It revealed that increased arts learning significantly improved students' school engagement, career aspirations and empathy towards others. Students exposed to the arts displayed greater enjoyment of schoolwork, a willingness to explore new perspectives, and a heightened interest in school-related activities.

Furthermore, research led by Dr. Natasha Kirkham from Birkbeck College in London sheds light on the multifaceted benefits of theatre experiences for children. Notably, the study found that going to the theatre…

• Improved their social tolerance. Compared to reading or watching videos, theatre performances achieve a deeper understanding and appreciation of the material.
• Improved their academic performance. Engaging with the arts improved academic performance.
• Created positive social change. Exposure to the theatre improved children's ability to discuss complex and difficult subjects.

The current state of arts accessibility

Despite the profound impact of theatre on children's development, a troubling statistic persists: a third of parents report that their child has never experienced live theatre. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for initiatives like Theatre Works, which strives to bridge this gap and ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to immerse themselves in the transformative world of theatre.

When I spoke to Sharon Louise Studer who co-founded Theatre Works with Graham Beckett, she explained that there were many causes for the lack of children attending the theatre. In the wake of the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis has led to families focusing on cutting down on costs such as theatre, and similarly schools are focusing their budgets on covering the fundamentals, with the arts taking a hit.

Theatre Works

Alongside providing children with the joy of a theatre trip, Theatre Works also provides educational experiences for students. For example, a recent trip arranged by the charity provided students with the chance to see Wicked The Musical in London, which was then followed by a Q&A and workshop with the performers and backstage team. ‘So many students were discovering that they could be lighting designers, or that they could be stage managers. It is eye opening for them, and it is exactly the type of thing we should be encouraging.’ says Studer.

‘We have had an overwhelming number of children say that the theatre shows they have seen have been unlike anything they have ever experienced. One child said that they felt like they had stepped into the stories of the characters on stage,’ Studer continues. She makes clear that in comparison to watching a film, students who saw a show in the theatre tend to remember the plot better, understand the character's emotions more, and are able to see themselves reflected in the performers in a much more real way than on screen.

Reaching out to different disadvantaged schools each year on rotation, the charity has an impressively sustainable model, encouraging more and more young people to take a trip to see live shows through school grants and theatre grants.

In essence, Theatre Works champions the belief that theatre is not merely a form of entertainment but a catalyst for social change and empowerment. By providing disadvantaged children with access to theatrical experiences, the charity illuminates pathways to new perspectives, instils a sense of belonging, and ignites a lifelong passion for the arts. In doing so, Theatre Works paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future, one stage performance at a time.

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