Curve Theatre launches new educational initiative for lockdown

The new educational initiative offers a programme of sessions every weekday from 4pm delivered by leading artists and performers, designers, directors, choreographers, writers, composers, and others. 

Available on Curve’s website and YouTube channel, the virtual classroom will include English language and literature, analytical thinking, vocal exercises, character work and choreography workshops, as well as puppetry, disability awareness and LGBTQ+ history. 

Curve’s chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Nikolai Foster said, ‘Throughout the pandemic, we have tried to respond positively and contribute meaningfully to the lives of our communities and audiences. Now in our nation’s third lockdown – and as our theatre continues to work online – we are launching our very own Curve Classroom to support home-schooling led by Curve practitioners.

‘Many of the creative skills we use on a daily basis in making theatre are transferable to other aspects of life and can support teaching and learning across the curriculum. Literacy, music, complex problem-solving, forming well-reasoned arguments, teamwork and developing the imagination, are just some of the skills our practitioners will share in their online tutorials.

‘We sincerely hope these daily sessions will help support learning and the incredible work being done by teachers, parents and carers, while also offering young people an insight into the creative industries and the incredible wealth of talent and resources we have to offer. We’d like to extend huge thanks to our army of freelance actors, local artists and practitioners who have responded so positively to our call out to join the Curve Classroom.’ 

The first Curve Classroom lesson, song writing with Leicestershire-based composer, lyricist and writer Jude Taylor, is available now.