Wow, how the world has changed since March!
Treehouse Theatre has been working hard since schools closed to investigate and explore ways in which we can adapt our performances so that both actors and audiences are as safe as possible.
"We are passionate about Interactive Theatre.
Blurring the boundaries between actors and audience to allow children to explore their creativity and practice performance skills in a safe environment, is the ethos at the heart of our work.
We are determined to keep the audience at the centre of our performances and certainly not relegated to the role of passive observer. To be honest, I’m not sure any of our regulars would stand for that anyway!"
Story-telling meets Interactive Theatre!
In response to PHE guidelines, we have expanded and adapted our Pop-Up Story-Theatre repertoire for all summer performances in schools and for a wider audience.
Our Pop-Up Story Theatre invites members of the audience to become part of the story, and together we create a performance that is unique because you were there.
Children can join in with the action, say lines, create the soundscape, and become interactive scenery, as we immerse ourselves in the fun of performing together, in a safe and managed environment.
Mindful of audience spacing, these shows will be held outside where there’s plenty of room and fresh air.
Audiences will be limited to 15 children (one bubble) in schools.
For public shows we will work with the venues to decide on a maximum number of households and seating areas will be clearly marked.
Performances
The following performances are available for booking this summer:
Open to the public
All our school shows are also available as public shows, but these are the ones which are tried and tested favourites for a mixed-age family audience:
The Gingerbread Man
The Pirate and the Princess
Theseus and the Minotaur
Beowulf
Schools: Early years and Key stage 1
The Gingerbread Man
The Pirate and the Princess
History: The Great Fire of London
Schools: Key Stage 2
Ancient Egypt: The Story of Tutenkhamun
Romans: Boudicca
Ancient Greece: Theseus and the Minotaur
The Vikings: Thor and Hrungnir
Saxons: Beowulf
Keeping everyone safe:
Pop-Up Story Theatre for schools:
· Performances will be outside wherever possible, or otherwise a hall (not a classroom) must be available so that we have lots of space.
· Maximum of 15 children per performance, with potential for up to 30 children arranged in two discrete ‘bubbles’ of maximum 15, which won't be in contact with each-other. Maximum 4 performances per day of 45 minutes duration each.
· If required, children can be spaced 2m apart within the 'bubbles' (see plan below), we have 'seating spots' to help with this
· Treehouse Theatre will wear PPE in school at times when social distancing is not possible (for example on arrival at school and in reception)
· During performances Treehouse actors will be at least 2m distance from the children and staff
· Use of props will be kept to actors. Any costumes worn by children will be one child per use and washed between every show.
· We can provide you with worksheets to make your own props before the show.
· We will discuss any additional requirements with you beforehand - we are very flexible and adaptable.
Pop-Up Story Theatre for public events:
· Performances should be outside wherever possible, with a large well-ventilated hall or open-sided marquee in case of inclement weather.
· Maximum number of households in the audience will depend on available space.
· Households must be seated a minimum of 2m apart, with seating arranged to ensure this.
· Treehouse Theatre will wear PPE at the venue at times when social distancing is not possible (for example on arrival)
· During performances, Treehouse actors will be at least 2m distance from the children and staff
· Use of props will be kept to actors. Any costumes worn by children will be one child per use and washed between every show.
· We will discuss any additional requirements with you beforehand - we are very flexible and adaptable.
We are very grateful to have been granted some emergency funding from the Arts Council to help us adapt.
Not all performers have been so lucky though, and if you are able, please do donate to Dorsets Emergency Funding appeal for the arts sector.
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