Early on in my career, I was teaching an A-Level group who were struggling with the written aspects of the course and were lacking in subject-specific terminology. I decided to focus on teaching them some specific terms related to Elizabethan Theatre. I introduced a page of terms in a structured exercise, which they engaged with and found quite fun. They had to match the term to the definition and then write a sentence to contextualize the word. I then revisited the activity

Looking for inspirational devising stimuli for this term? We asked a range of drama teachers to share their tried and tested stimuli which they use for GCSE level and above. Here's what they shared... 1) Windrush Images & Props “ In Verbatim theatre style - Personal accounts related to Windrush and images of contents of suitcases from that context including personal items. It was successful as it was tailored towards a cohort with personal stories to tell of their own family

#ShoeboxTheatre2025 has been even more epic than last year! We have been blown away by the range and standard of entries. This year, we received a record number of international submissions from schools across the globe — from the UK and Europe to Asia and beyond. The creativity and craftsmanship demonstrated by young people everywhere has been truly inspiring.

With many drama lessons taking place in classrooms at the moment, what are the best starters to use which are both engaging and purposeful?

A step-by-step guide to creating Katie Mitchell's unique style of Live Cinema with Post-16 students.

If set design is about space, costume design is about people in motion. And yet, this is the point where many students freeze — “I can’t draw people!” is a phrase I hear weekly. Over time, I’ve found that what matters isn’t anatomy or accuracy; it’s gesture, movement and texture. Here are the activities I use most often to unlock that.

Here are ten of my go-to activities. They’ve grown out of real classrooms — sometimes messy, often noisy — but they work because they help students relax, take risks, and start seeing space as something they can shape.

Sketching can be one of the most powerful tools in a designer’s process — but for many students, it’s also the most intimidating.They worry about “getting it right,” about not being able to draw well, or about making mistakes they can’t undo. In set and costume design, though, sketching isn’t about accuracy — it’s about thinking on paper. Here are five simple, creative principles that can help unlock your students’ confidence and get them sketching with energy and purpose.

Over the past year, we’ve been thrilled to deliver our Set Design Masterclasses to Stagecoach Performing Arts schools across the UK, helping young people step into the world of professional theatre design. These hands-on workshops guide students through the full creative process — from script analysis and sketching to constructing 3D model sets.

Following the announcement of our winners earlier this week, we are delighted to share the six outstanding model boxes that have received special commendations in this year’s #ShoeboxTheatre2025 competition!

How the theatre works! Education Hub helps teachers turn live performances into lasting learning experiences. theatre works! has launched a free Education Hub for UK teachers , packed with drama and theatre resources that can be used before and after theatre visits. The Hub offers ready-to-use lesson plans for both primary and secondary levels, designed to prepare students for their first encounter with live theatre and help them reflect afterwards. Why Theatre Matters Live

The final installment of a three-part blog about the top key stage 3 texts for drama.

From modern fairytales to gripping moral dilemmas, this part of our blog series dives into texts that help Key Stage 3 drama students think critically, creatively, and theatrically.

In this first part of our KS3 play text series, we’re focusing on emotionally rich and visually imaginative stories that spark creativity in the classroom.

In this post I suggest specific resources and strategies to support students when they are researching and creating their own devised work,

We are thrilled to announce the winner of the Outstanding Model Box, who will receive £100 vouchers for Hobbycraft.

We are thrilled to announce the Shoebox Theatre 2023 Winner for Outstanding Scheme of Learning! The winning scheme will receive £100 of...

#ShoeboxTheatre2023 has been epic! Following on from our in-person Shoebox Theatre CPD at the Music and Drama Expo in February, over 200...

September is looming and, now that exam results are behind us, we’re starting to turn our attention to curriculum planning. I’m starting a new role at a school this year. From the handover day, I realised that the students have some gaps in their knowledge and skills so I’m looking at ways to develop this purposefully through highly engaging & creative practical workshops. These will take the form of ‘impact sessions’. If you master the art of creating and delivering an ‘impa

In this Blog, we want to showcase the best ideas for ‘Drama Displays’ and allow you to connect with the inspirational drama educators who...