Giving ordinary people the chance to find their creative talents, the Churchill Theatre’s creative learning programme offers something for everyone. DAVID MILLS finds out more.
SINCE creative learning began at the Churchill Theatre 12 years ago, it has spread throughout the country.
The Ambassador Group, which runs the theatre in Bromley High Street, has taken creative learning to its 39 theatres from Glasgow to Brighton.
At the Churchill, 175 people of all ages ranging from three to 88 attend the weekly classes which aim to nurture audiences and the performers and playwrights of tomorrow.
There are a variety of classes including singing, ballet, burlesque, street dance and drama.
Head of creative learning at the Ambassador Group Julia Potts said: “Creative learning is a programme of activities we run in theatres to engage new audiences, primarily younger people but not exclusively.
“It happens at all ages from pre-school to retired people.
“Our philosophy is for access to be as open as possible. We don't audition people. It's for people who are interested and enthusiastic.”
Julia says the creative learning department offers ordinary people the opportunity to come and connect with their local theatre.
Since it was set up she has seen it grow and grow.
She said: “We started small, you see what people want and what works and it grows.
“The programme in Bromley has become one of the most successful in our group.
“I've seen some people come in as young children and now see them doing things as young adults, which is fantastic - you can trace their whole journey.”
Julia added: “People get to build their own skills.
“For example through performing and dancing.
“Very importantly it plays a part in developing people's confidence and you see that at all ages.
“People build good relationships with their local theatre and I feel very strongly about that.
“The Churchill is bang in Bromley High Street, everyone in this borough has a right to have a relationship with us.
“That might not be through buying a ticket but because their child comes to an early years drama class.”
The Churchill’s creative learning manager, Jenny Batt, says the community gets the chance to get involved with other organisations.
She said: “It's about people being able to participate and explore creatively but in a fun and no pressure way.
“We try and be as inclusive as we can.
“It's about meeting new people, building up confidence and working with others.”
This year the theatre linked up with the Big Dance through Greenwich Dance Agency which saw 300 people take part in a community dance project - watched by around 700.
The department’s youth group also went to the National Theatre as part of a play writing project while an inter-generational drama group saw both young and older people coming together to take part.
Jenny said: “The Churchill is the main arts hub for the borough.
“It has a rolling programme, there's a really wide variety of shows.”
For more information about classes call 0844 871 7620, email jennybatt@theambassadors.com
TYPES OF WORKSHOP
The Churchill’s creative learning programme covers four key areas.
-Post-show talks and question and answer sessions with audiences
-Participation work - drama classes and writing groups
-Work-related learning - work experience and skills-based activities to gain experience of working life in the commercial theatre sector
-Special projects working with other organisations such as schools
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