For just the day or a full working week Creation Theatre offers children’s workshops often themed to tie in with their seasonal performances.  During the ‘Arabian Nights’ Christmas show of 2006, the show’s director Gari Jones put a company of budding young thespians through their paces. The week culminated in a short performance of ‘Arabian Nights’ by the children at Oxford Brookes Studio Theatre which was enjoyed by parents and carers alike.  Workshop leaders are always professional theatre practitioners.  The recent Easter holidays saw Adam Kay (currently playing Salerio in ‘Merchant of Venice’ at The Globe) share his stage secrets as in just three days youngsters rehearsed and performed an exciting piece of new writing.  Fun acting games are used to spark the participants’ imagination and develop technical skills.  Specialist classes in stage combat are sometimes offered.  ‘Puppet Pioneers’ ties in with the forthcoming Christmas show ‘Tales from the Brothers Grimm’ excellently and takes place for 7-10 year olds on both 25th October and 2nd January. 6-8 year olds can look forward to a ‘Fairytale Frenzy’ between December 19th – 20th. Teenagers can rise to the Creation Theatre challenge of putting on a play in a week between October 22nd-26th.  Free Taster workshops are often available to book through the Creation box office (01865 766266)

 

Prices average out at roughly £30 per day, children bring their own packed lunch and are advised to wear comfortable clothes to move around in.  During the breaks for squash and biscuits newcomers find it easy to chat and make friends as the events are grouped sensibly around specific age ranges starting from 6-8 years.  There are activities going on during October half term and the Christmas holidays with adults being catered for too.  On January 4th and 5th one day workshops in circus skills can be signed up for by anyone over 16.  Which goes to prove you’re never too old to run away with the circus!