Frequently searched for
Latest events
Exploring the world of theatre through storytelling
Primary Theatre Explorers is a programme for primary schools in Lambeth and Southwark, introducing Key Stage One pupils to the world of theatre.
Through interactive storytelling, a theatre tour, an in-school workshop and a celebratory theatre experience, pupils will develop their communication, oracy, creativity and critical-thinking skills.
Schools will also benefit from creative resources, teacher CPD sessions and one-to-one support from theatre professionals to help build creative confidence in the classroom.
The programme will consist of:
- A teacher launch CPD session: All teachers participating in the programme will be invited to a full-day launch event at The Old Vic
- An interactive storytelling session and theatre tour: A 30-minute interactive storytelling session held in the Clore Learning Centre in the Backstage building at The Old Vic. The session will be followed by a 30-minute tour of the theatre
- An in-school creative workshop: A full-day interactive drama workshop held in participating primary schools. Explore the art of storytelling, with pupils creating their own tales to be presented at the end of the day to family, carers, guardians and friends
- A theatre celebration event: A celebratory event held in The Old Vic theatre, bringing all schools together to recognise and honour their achievements on the project.
The programme runs from Jan–Mar 2027. Participating schools need to be available for all dates of the programme to take part:
- Teacher launch CPD: Wed 27 Jan 2027 (full day)
- Interactive storytelling session and theatre tour: between 01–12 Feb 2027 (half day)
- In-school creative workshop: between 01–12 Mar 2027 (full day)
- Theatre celebration event: w/c 22 Mar 2027, 10am–12noon (half day)
- Teacher one-to-one support: Jan–Mar 2027 (half day).
Applications for Primary Theatre Explorers are currently closed.
- We will work with 10 Key Stage One primary school groups/classes with a maximum of 30 students per group/class
- The programme is designed for Year One and Two students and is only open to primary state schools based in Lambeth and Southwark
- This programme aims to work with young people who are from backgrounds underrepresented in theatre, such as young people from Global Majority backgrounds, young people with access requirements and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds
- This programme is offered free of charge to primary state schools.
- Primary Theatre Explorers aims to be open and accessible to all
- We will discuss any access requirements your school may have before the project begins and ensure appropriate support is in place
- We welcome applications from SEN schools
- We can adapt workshop content to suit your students
- We can bring in additional staff to support students during in-school workshops.
If you would like to discuss your students’ access requirements or have any questions before applying, please contact primary@oldvictheatre.com
If you have any questions, please contact primary@oldvictheatre.com
Generously supported by Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation